I just received my copy of the annual Metalsmith EIP. This is a
shining example of why SNAG is becoming less relevant with every
passing year. If the organization was about sculpture or art in
general then possibly the latest EIP would have had some relevance
but SNAG is supposed to be about jewelry for heavens sake, the name
is Society of North American Goldsmiths. If I had paid to have an ad
in that issue I would want my money back and it has me seriously
considering my ongoing membership in the organization. I have been a
member for over 20 years and it has saddened me to see how it has
deteriorated to become a more pointless organization with every
passing year. SNAG currently has two benefits to offer its members
the convention which only a small number of members can attend and
Metalsmith which seems determined to focus on an ever diminishing
academic art scene. What happened to the supporting the world of
metalsmithing and jewelry ? This is a very expensive magazine to
publish and a large portion of my dues go to it. When I get letters
asking me to send money to help SNAG out of a financial jam I really
have to ask myself what the hell do I get from the organization? Why
is the only metalsmithing content SNAG publishes relegated to a news
letter that is not even printed anymore but comes only as a digital
file? I have nothing against ART jewelry but SNAG should focus on
metal jewelry not plastic, glass, rubber, digital renderings or the
output from a plethora of 3d printing machines Those other media can
be adjuncts to but, the focus should be on metal jewelry (functional
or not)
I am curious how many of the SNAG members here feel presenting this
type of work in the EIP is where SNAG should be spending its members
limited money and time?
James Binnion
@James_Binnion
James Binnion Metal Arts
360-756-6550