An obligation to the craft

When we participate in a craft, whether that is blacksmithing, wood carving, weaving, or so many others, do we then have an obligation to that craft? If so, what would that look like and how would we go about fulfilling that obligation? Certainly I am not talking here about a formal obligation, but rather an informal or self-imposed commitment to give back in some manner.

From the beginning of my journey as a blacksmith there have been, and still are, others that helped me in some way, large or small. These people write books or magazine articles, teach classes, do live demos, and, of course, make videos. Without the information so willingly shared I doubt I would be where I am today. For that reason I do feel a personal obligation to give back to the craft and share my experience - not because I think my way is better than anyone else’s, but because it may be just what someone else needs.

I think the ways of giving back can be broken down into a few categories. One would be promoting the craft in general so that the general public understands that blacksmithing is alive and well. [Me: I’m a blacksmith. Other person: Oh, that’s a dying art. Me: Well, actually …] Obviously, helping to educate newer smiths, whether one or many, is a major contribution, as is encouraging communication and community among blacksmiths. Simply elevating the craft to reach higher potential and inspiring others to the same goal, helps keep blacksmithing from becoming stale and irrelevant. Right now my personal blacksmithing goals are shifting toward greater challenges and more complicated projects. But if I focus on those goals, am I leaving the newer smith out of the equation? A member of my household says no, you are not, because the ones who really want to learn will catch up sooner or later.