Saturday, March 6, 2021

A Treatsie on Talent, Skill and Practice.

The Talent Fairy


On my YouTube channel, occasional comments come in about being talented. Which is nice and positive, someone took time to comment on the video. The comment, " You are so talented" is left in a thoughtful manner.  I do appreciate the original kindness in the compliment as composed. Although the comment leaves me with a question in my mind, am I really talented? No, it is not impostor syndrome talking.  Its a valid question, to be honest I believe there is some confusion on what message is actually being communicated.

The dictionary definition, Talent- natural aptitude or skill. 

There could be natural proclivity from my parents who have very minor artistic talent individually. On the other hand, one could have some great genes for a particular skill set and still be mediocre at that skill set. I cannot rule this out, my parents are not outstandingly artistic. My paternal grandmother was a sewist and my maternal great-grandmother was a sewist as well. So a smidge of some talent possibly in the genes. Although its nothing if you don't do something with it. When I comes to all the various handicraft topics I cover.  I wouldn't call it talent so much as it is skill.

The dictionary definition states, Skill- the ability to do something well; expertise.

Skill is something that one develops over time. Over the 17 years in the SCA, I definitely developed a particular set of skills. No, not the kind of skills that Liam Neeson purports.  The skill set that I have would be sewing, pattern drafting, fiber arts, woodcarving, sculpting, wig-making, embroidery, beading, painting, wire-working, fabric manipulation, lace-making, woodworking, and some minor mechanical engineering. 

The dictionary definition states, Practice- the actual application or use of an idea, belief, or method as opposed to theories relating to it. 

Skill is attained over time by refining with repetition, otherwise known as practice. With the application of time and repetition one can really learn just about anything. Its the main reason that the world of academia still exists. With time you can learn about many topics or specialize in just a niche area.  Although the same principals apply to art, you have to make art to practice it. In the beginning there tends to be poorer examples of art due to challenges in execution, technique, methods, materials, and other contributing factors.    

I would say in closing, I have minimal talent and much more skill because I constantly practice. Which consequently means that anyone can learn to make anything. You could make a doll from the information I  supplied on this blog and can be better at this skill than I. To which I say, go and make the thing! Go be free merry and create! Life is more fun when there is more art in the world and people passionate enough to pursue it.  

Food for Thought,

Marrin 

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Replica 1560's Venetian Italian Fashion Doll

Replica 1560's Venetian Italian Fashion Doll

Replica 1560 French Fashion Doll

Replica 1560 French Fashion Doll

Tudor Q and A

What is a Tudorosity?

A mashed combination of the words Tudor and Curiosity to create the word Tudorosity. Tudorosities is the plural form and the deffinition is as follows.

Tudorosity- an desire to learn or know anything about the Tudor dynasty associated with years 1405 through 1603.

Most people ask my why I make the Tudor garb ?

I find the clothing of this era not only beautiful but also challenging to sew. There is much more care and purpose put into making garments and wearing garments in the Tudor Era. I love the look of Tudor so much I wanted to explore the way clothes were made back then and the subtle changes in fashion and styles of time.

How did you get started in this interesting hobby?

I started with art first, I love to draw, paint, and sculpt all the traditional fine arts. So being able to draw helps me visualize the looks I want to create in my garb. History has always been a huge interest of mine and I've had a knack for sewing since I was 7 years old. It all started with doll clothes and I learned cross stitch embroidery from my grandmother when I was little. I am self taught sewer, crochet, knitting, embroidery and tatting. My methods are learned from books mainly and there is still so much more to learn.

What is my favorite outfit and why?

It would be like picking a favorite out of one of my future children, its impossible. I love all my gown creations and really like the distinct differences in all the styles clothing I make for the Tudor Era.

Do you make the whole outfit including hat, shoes, and undergarments?

I do have a goal of making a complete Tudor from the skin out. As of right now I make 90% of my gowns and accessories. The shoes and stockings, are bought online and the petticoats are a close reproduction but not made by me. .

How long does it take to make a gown?

It all depends on the type of gown. The making relies on the time period and class of the design. Generally if I work on it 8 hours a day on a sewing machine it will take 3 days to get the basics and another 5 days to do finish hand-sewing details and beading. So a week to a week and a half if working on it steady for that amount of time. I work a full-time job so it does take longer than a week to complete. I put over 40-100 hours per outfit depending on its complexity, its like its own full time job of sorts.

Do you make renaissance clothing for sale or custom orders?

No, due to new employment and changes in my lifestyle. Unfortunately, I have no time to support sewing for others. Though I recommend sewing lessons for those adventurous few. There are many fine folks who make and sell historical clothing. I suggest guidance with sew from many fine historical enthusiastic costumers out on the internet.

How long have you been making these elaborate costumes?

I have been in the Society of Creative Anachronism coming up on my 18th year. Active since 2004 working at demonstrations and volunteering when I could between working and other life's distractions. I really concentrated on Tudor sewing in 2007 and worked with patterns to learn proper fabrics, techniques, fit, and silhouette. I really enjoy the eras transition from a medieval form fitting layered cotterdie to the boned Tudor kirtle and then to structured Elizabethan clothing.

Replica 1490 Milan Italian Fashion Doll

Replica 1490 Milan Italian Fashion Doll
Based on art by Giovanni Ambrogio

O’Kealy Heraldry

O’Kealy Heraldry