Jack of All

Have you ever been called a dabbler? A tinkerer? Are you good enough at this and well enough at that? Are you consistently inconsistent? The world is full of masters of this and experts of that, with their noses buried in self-help books, sneering down at anyone who hasn't chosen a respectable profession and stuck to it.

But here’s to the Jacks of All Trades, those who keep working around the edges of life like it’s a painting instead of a job. Your attitude is endearing! In a world that often values specialization, you bring a refreshing perspective, embracing the beauty of diverse skills and endless curiosity.

In gardens lush, where flowers bloom,
wistful hands do play.
Cameras snap in light and gloom
to capture life's array.

The fishing line, casts its charm,
and gentle waters flow.
Rocks and stones and earth's strong arms,
its secrets softly show.

Aqueducts and machines construct,
purposes unseen.
And bicycle wheels, bringing near,
places blue and green.

Musical chords, painted hues,
and time's elusive run.
In varied trades, the more they see,
yet called the Masters of None.

...in kitchens bright, great scents ignite
memories long gone...
The dabbler's work is never complete,
still the Jack is often One.

Fox & Thistle Studio celebrates this spirit of exploration and creativity. Our graphic "Master of None" and the accompanying poem are a tribute to all the multi-talented individuals who embrace the joy of diverse crafts and skills.

The Origin of "Jack of All Trades"

The saying "Jack of all trades, master of none," is an old English proverb often used to describe a person who has dabbled in many skills but is not necessarily an expert in any of them. The full version of the proverb is actually longer and offers a more positive view:

"Jack of all trades, master of none, but oftentimes better than master of one."

This extended version suggests that while a "Jack of all trades" may not be a master in one specific field, their versatility and breadth of knowledge can be more valuable than having expertise in just one area.

The exact origin of this proverb is unclear, but it has been in use since at least the 17th century. It is attributed to Robert Greene, who referred to William Shakespeare as an "upstart Crow, beautified with our feathers... the only Shake-scene in a country," and described him as "an absolute Johannes factotum" (Latin for "Jack of all trades") in his 1592 pamphlet "Greene's Groats-Worth of Wit."