1. Idea
samotsvet (a «gem») is a natural phenomenon that emerges at the intersection of authentic self-representation through one’s own work—a manifestation of creative uniqueness—and a deep regard and respect for the Earth.
samotsvet can manifest in various spheres. The primary focus—and the theme of the season—is craftsmanship.
A craft is an activity that aligns with a person’s inner makeup—one in which they continue to refine their skills throughout their entire life.
samotsvet is nature itself—in other words, an ecosystem that returns material to the production cycle, reprocesses it, or—in an environmentally sensitive manner—disposes of it.
The project is geared toward building an active community of individuals who value originality and uniqueness, show respect for materials and craftspeople, and move toward a more thoughtful, intentional approach to creativity.
2. Pain
The guest leaves with a photograph. The master leaves without an apprentice.
Four observable symptoms:1. Craft has become a souvenir. The object sits on a shelf instead of living in someone’s hands. Value shifted from the doing to the thing.2. Craft dies for want of an heir. Masters exist; successors do not. Transmission happens hand to hand, and there are not enough hands.3. Many events, few co-events. A showcase festival delivers an impression, not an object. The guest stays a spectator.3. The event industry produces a great deal of waste. Two days later what remains is banners, plastic, and nothing anyone can carry away.
According to my own survey data, only 17 percent of young people have an understanding of such matters that goes beyond the basics.
The authentic disappears quietly, because it cannot be digitised. It can only be seen and felt — which means someone has to show it.
3. Solution
Do not display the authentic — let people make it
Light does not create colour; it reveals it. The event works the same way: it does not produce craft, it brings it to the surface. A guest arrives at a showcase and leaves with something they made themselves.
Six programme elements: exhibition → making an artefact → recycling → art objects → public talk → performance
What it closes:
an heir comes from the experience of hands, not from a lecture. One evening with a master does more than ten posts about the importance of craft.
4. Proof
According to the results of my research, 43.6 percent of the 50 people surveyed would like to «try their hand at a new craft.»
Homo Faber in Venice, run by the Michelangelo Foundation, proved that craft fills halls and moves out of the «folk art» niche into contemporary art, design and anthropology.
5. Action
What we need from you
Apply to the open call. What we need from you: one technique, willingness to work with a guest for two days, one object they take home. What you get: a fee, a shoot, an audience and students.
6. Finale
Let’s light up together!
At the start of the path, craft was a souvenir. At the end, it is an object in the hands of the person who made it. Between those two points: two days, one master.