I was in Los Angeles last week to talk to the people at Turquoise Mountain. They are a charity that is helping to preserve and revive the crafts of Afghanistan. It is a passion of mine. Sadly, in the United States these crafts are dying. The cost of labor to produce the high quality goods of a craftsman and artisan is overwhelmed on a daily basis by the “walmartization” of this country. People pay good money to view quality arts and crafts in museums as well as take tours of beautiful homes, and yet they don’t think about surrounding themselves in their own homes with these crafts. Ornamental plaster, ornamental woodwork, quality photo framing, exquisite tile work, handmade linens and bedding, all these trades are available here in the San Francisco Bay Area, and everyone I know that is doing them doesn’t feel they will be around in another 5 years. With these difficult financial age, maybe it is time for people to look around and buy from their local merchant and artisan, rather than China.
If you are interested in finding more about craftsman in San Francisco follow these links.
Ornamental Plaster and Cast Stone
Home Made Bedding, wall art and custom made planters
Contemporary Ceramics
Modern Enamel Housewares
A guild of various craftsmen
Custom cast Metals
Ceramics