Soetsu Yanagi was a Japanese art critic and philosopher who devoted his life and writing to hailing the value of folk craft. His book, The Beauty of Everyday Things, exemplifies his philosophy. In it, he said, "Through their own efforts, these people made their daily lives more beautiful. This is the true calling, the mission, of handicrafts. We are drawn by that beauty, and we have much to learn from it."
He also said, "There is no greater opportunity for appreciating beauty than through its use in our daily lives, no greater opportunity for coming into direct contact with the beautiful."
Yanagi's work highlights how folk craft brings artfulness and joy into our lives, connects us to other human beings in our daily routines, and at its ideal, is simple and useful.
Now that Yanagi's case has been briefly presented on the value of folk art, it can be worth exploring what local craftspeople have to offer.
With the winter season upon us – with its time of gatherings, feasting and celebrating – craftsmanship is more accessible than ever with a host of craft fairs scattered throughout the season. Here is a broad overview of what craft fairs offer in Victoria, each event different in its own right.
A variety to be found at Victoria winter craft fairs
At the Winter Bazaar at Gorge Park Pavilion (Nov. 29 - Dec. 1), the award-winning Japanese ceramic artist Harumi Ota will display his work characterized by a blend of traditional Japanese designs and his nature-inspired style. Karina Kalvaitis, a fantasy animal fine artist, creates 'endearing, strange creatures' and miniature worlds – her work building on her career as a local props builder for theatre and opera. Then there's Abbie Rechert, who specializes in producing original one-of-a-kind colourful plus-size garments using secondhand, recycled, locally sourced textiles.
This year is also the 40th annual Strawberry Vale Christmas Craft Show (Nov. 1-3) at Strawberry Vale Community Hall. For a $2 admission, people can see Christmas decorations, body care products, pottery, bags, food, fibre work, jewellery and more.
Then there are winter craft fairs in beautiful locations. The Swan Lake Winter Craft Sale (Nov. 2-3) is located at the Swan Lake Christmas Hill Nature Sanctuary, so visitors can enjoy a stroll along the boardwalks after taking in the winter crafts. Or, the Winter Bazaar will have 90 plus artists and makers at Gorge Park Pavilion at the recently unveiled (2023) LEEDS building set amidst Japanese Gardens.
Some craft fairs incorporate entertainment. For instance, live music will fill the Christ Church Cathedral at their St. Cecilia's Day Musical Open House (Nov. 23), where an array of Island musicians create the soundscape backdrop to the bake sale by the cathedral community.
Fairs are also not limited to crafts and baking: there are also book fairs where those looking for something unique for their Christmas gift list can explore the works of local independent writers.
This is just a glimpse into the many craft fairs in Victoria. Victoria is full of local artisans and craftsmen, whether perfumers, upcyclers, woodworkers, potters, and more. Perhaps fair-goers will appreciate the sentiment of Yanagi's philosophy and experience the joy and beauty that local craftspeople can bring into one's life.
