!Art_Alchemist_Guild@lemmy.today

What painter isn’t a little bit of a chemist? What quilter isn’t a mathematics wizard? A skilled tailor is essentially an engineer, and a printer qualifies as a mechanic.

I’m interested in processes. Where does paint come from? How does the wool get from the sheep to my sweater? Is there anything stopping me from digging up clay from a riverbed and making a pot out of it?

I’m especially passionate about this since artist prices can be ridiculously marked up on the same supplies that are sold in bulk to big industry. Too many brands market a vibe over quality, which makes it good to know what goes into making quality paints, papers and clays, and if you really can just spin your dog’s sheddings into a nice hat. In an age of amazon consumerism we forget how much useful stuff is around us, literally on the ground, is being repackaged and sold from a warehouse halfway around the world. Why not learn how to make the most of what’s free outside and become a mad scientist?

So, I made a place for all those artists, and anyone else, who wants to discuss methods as well as the art, to share resources, meme about crafting insanity, and get critique.

Right now it’s just me, but I’d love to have more people posting and sharing. I started weekly discussion topics and a monthly challenge to see if that gets people engaged.

I’m looking for at least one other mod to help keep an eye on the place, too.