In such an economic state, it should come as no surprise that people are turning from their pocketbooks and looking to their hands for inspiration and raw craftsmanship. A recent article in the LA Times highlights Italy's vanishing "arrotini" (knife sharpeners) and the utter disappearance of craftsmen the world over. As dire as it seems, I found hope in Sergion Zoppo discussing his father first opening their shop duing World War II. "The country was restarting and people were trying to find their place again." Anyone seeing a relation to our current state of affairs?

While there's a certain romanticism of past artisans hidden amisdt European cobblestone streets and gas lamps, I find hope and excitement in what's taking place here at home - specifically in Brooklyn. And there just may be something hidden in your own backyard, whether its a master potter or knife maker.