“The aim of the artist ought to be to bring into the world objects which do not already exist there...objects which are especially worthy of love.”
William Gass
The purpose of contrasting these two sweaters and two pairs of socks is not to demonstrate a qualitative difference; it will be obvious that the ready made garments are qualitatively more refined, more consistent in nature and size, we might even say more perfect. No, the contrast is better seen in the difference in character. Sentimentalizing aside, it is clear that there is a difference in the character of the hand made pieces. It is almost as if the hand-knit items bear a personality all their own. How can it be that the ethereal nature of human care and intent crosses over to be come evident in an inanimate object?
This becomes immediately evident when such an object is presented as a gift, in lieu of its matching ready-made partner. Imagine opening a birthday gift holding a pair of socks. Nice enough, especially if they are made of Smart Wool™. Now imagine being given a pair of brightly colored striped hand knit socks, made for your feet alone... The joy of the gift of this reaction was my pleasure to receive when I gave a friend a pair I had just finished knitting as a going-away present along with the scripture: “How beautiful are the feet of those who bear good news.”
May we never underestimate the un-named in that which we give and receive
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