Hermes Exhibit at Union Station, Chicago by Nest

A few days ago I had the privilege of being invited by Makers Unit - Nest to a panel conversation on Craftsmanship and Sustainability by the VP of Manufacturing at Hermes, a Master Artisan with 8 years experience, and a Chicago based Artist and Educator. The chat was inspiring. Afterward, I spent most of my time in The Making exhibition that is showcasing some of their expert artisans who flew in from France. The artisans were making leather bags, leather saddles, diamond watches, hand-painted ceramic plates, silk scarves, and some were teaching saddle stitch technique, screen-printing, or coloring. It was refreshing to see so many beautiful items getting made by hand and to see how a 100yr old multi-generational company grew after starting off by making leather harnesses for horse carriages.

The exhibit is open to the public 10am - 6pm Union Station in Chicago until 11/1 ~ check it out if you can! Here’s a link to more info.

A few things stuck with me so I took some notes and wanted to share my inspiration with you:

- It takes one of the artisans 18 hours to make a Kelly Bag. It took her 30 hours when she started making them.
- Even a female leather master artisan working for a 100yr generational leather company can feel unsatisfied with her work, it fuels and motivates her to keep going and get better.
- Every Hermes bag is hand stitched and built. The interior of the bag is just as perfect as the exterior that is seen.
- Commitment to your craft is everything and it takes time to do it properly, with care, and should always be done with zen. It’s mind and body, craft not tasks, because to create you have to be grounded.
- You might not know the answer or how to adapt a skill but you wont know if you don’t try.
- Joy = Effort. Craftsmanship experience value is different than productivity value.
- Change with the needs of the world, today the world needs sustainability.
- Make not for a season or an event, make for a lifetime.
- Behind the bag, its not just the bag artisan but a relationship between animals, land, and humans and a series of acts to produce the leather and all materials used, creating an heirloom is to respect and express gratitude to all of it.
- Preserve craft and the state of mind of craft. Question modern speed and modern tools.
- Luxury means it can be repaired. Repairs and the relationship between the humans who use the repaired bag is an expression of emotion and love.
- Craftsmanship without creating is empty so stay free as a creator and remember the act of creation is essential.
- Create to test your skills. Create product, create ideas. Get out of your comfort zone and don’t forget to question your self capabilities.