Learning a craft first-hand
Mira Solano, the legendary potter, once said, ‘We live our lives second-hand’. Sadly, her words are true for far too many of us, as we (1) ________ in front of the television, (2) ________ in reality television, learning our skills through the words and pictures of others. But it does not have to be that way – there are more opportunities than ever for taking a break from our increasingly sanitised lives and exploring not only some neglected (3) ________ of the workshop, but also our own patience and imagination. This kind of direct practical experience that Solano considered essential is still available for anyone willing to forsake the beaten (4) ________, and gradually watch their confidence (5) ________ as they explore demanding forms of this (6) ________ craft. The (7) ________ in adult craft learning recently has been towards more flexible forms of practical instruction. But craftwork doesn’t have to involve physical exertion; be it shaping a clay bowl in Granada, or getting absorbed in the delicate patterns of a woven rug, it all (8) ________.