muses and myths

I am fascinated by crafts, and craftsmanship. Here in Woodstock, there are two strong traditions: the Byrdcliffe Arts Colony, and the Maverick Arts Colony. Their names suggest the distinction.

Byrdcliffe was founded about 102 years ago by somebody-Whitehead, the disenchanted son of a prominent industrialist. Influenced heavily by Ruskin and William Morris, Whitehead believed that industry was the sinking of human dignity; and that the means to raise the human spirit was through arts and crafts (hence, arts and crafts movement). He and his wife built this compound where artists were to work hard, show their output, and support each other in the production of beautiful things inspired by nature. And, indeed, there were lovely prints for fabric, etched glass, carvings, etc.

Naturally, there arose trouble in paradise. It seemed that Whitehead was the only judge of merit and commitment - which always creates trouble. In reaction to the exactitude (near-industry?) of Whitehead's approach, this guy Hervey White founded the Maverick. As its name implied, this was a place with a more libertarian bent. There was free lodging, free love, much revelry, and some debauchery was a welcome part of the artistic life.

Which one was right? They both were. These reflect the classic struggles within man, outlined so long ago in mythology. Apollo was the sun god, lover of order and refinement. Dionysus was the god of revelry and chaos. In fact, both are needed to keep artistic currents fresh. Too much order, and the culture grows stale, starched. Too much chaos, and the culture grows corrupt, directionless. The tension between apollo and dionysus is an instructive one. Which aspect of yourself needs fleshing out?