Toward a Bioregional Work Ethic: a Celebration of Hands

Toward a Bioregional Work Ethic: a Celebration of Hands

Rouse-Kyle, Julie

Wadland, Tom; Whillans, Tom
Departments: Canadian Studies and Environmental Studies

TPB-507

1991

U-Links Office and online

Haliburton County

Craft and 'bioregional work ethic'

The focus of this paper is found in the subtitle "A Celebration of Hands". From a bioregional realization that "one's relationship with the earth is inextricably linked to one's relationship with all of its creation, human and non-human" the author looks at a selection of craftspeople in the Haliburton community, seeing their work as exemplifying a bioregional work ethic, one that is empowering, respectful and life-affirming.

Of Wood and Willow contrasts the use of wood in settlement times with present-day crafts such as wicker and willow work, the construction of wooden canoes, and wooden jewellery. On the Bounty of This Land traces the move from using the products of the land to the present highly industrialized food industry and cites examples of local people attempting to live in harmony with the land. Other sections deal with ironwork and the role of the smithy in producing tools and recycling material into useful works, spinning, weaving, mending and quilting with their universal images, and pottery with its source of creativity coming directly from the earth.

Trent University