Here's what I've been thinking about lately... Ways in which ideas and concepts from the Arts & Crafts Movement are resurfacing in light of contemporary issues in sustainability. A rejection of the mass-produced, in favor of the hand made, choosing local and organic over machine processed, a return to nature and an awareness of our environment. But, at the same time, we are more and more connected to technology, electronic devices and networked culture. Our need to be plugged in has also lead to email and Internet viruses, identity theft, terrorist threats, and a need for a different type of safety. How do we balance our security in the natural and sustainable with technology and connectivity? Where does this paradox leave us? We are at homeland security threat level orange while also striving to find local organic oranges to fight off colds. I am interested in exploring this intersection of past and present, natural and machine made, in contemporary culture with connections between the Arts & Crafts Movement, environmental sustainability, the Slow Food movement, and the techno-connected digital culture.