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Craftsmanship – Forged with Heart

November 29, 2012 By Kevin Ekmark

I remember when I stopped paying so much attention to the end result and shifted my eyes towards the entire process of a product. It’s like the first time when you sit back and actually take a minute to admire a sunset. In just five minutes, the sky can change dramatically, ending with a beautiful purple and blue crescendo as the sun dips below the horizon.

tobacco barn

Some call it artisanal, some say small batch, but I just call it handmade. Whether it’s poured in a glass, or pressed onto paper, someone put their heart into whatever you’re enjoying. Someone spent days or years dreaming about that bottle of wine you’re swishing around in your hand. Someone decided to forgo sleep because the process was driving them further along.

There’s a good chance that I paid a little bit more for someone’s passion.

And I am one hundred percent okay with it.

When you consume, use, or admire something handmade and forged with heart, you’re connected with the person who created it. It’s a connection that you will never forget. It’s a flavor that lasts, and an image that never fades.

Cheers to craftsmanship, and the hearts that drive creativity.

 

Photography by Charlotte Strode

Filed Under: Around the South, Profiles

About Kevin Ekmark

Kevin Ekmark is a Partner at FlipForms and the Co-Owner of The Trot Line.
He's an Atlanta native, living in Raleigh. Kevin loves peanut butter, bourbon, travel, football season, and rare meat.

Comments

  1. Pipe says

    November 29, 2012 at 9:24 am

    Well said, brother. It’s SO frustrating dealing with potential customers who fail to see the art in one’s work!

  2. Susan Wright says

    December 4, 2012 at 5:01 pm

    So well put. I have always been willing to pay more for a hand made artisanal anything. The way you wrote this made me sit back for just a moment and savor my beautiful new bird feeder that I paid too much for but it was hand made and the artist touched my soul when I met him and as I sit here there are 9 birds all negotiating space at the same time. It delivers what it promises and it is very satisfying to look at. Thank you for your well put thoughts.

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