3 minute read
Language of Craft
Is “craft” a dreaded five letter word? Or is it a positive description of the creativity, skill and dedication required to make marvelous objects? Language of Craft is a special Craft Year 2015 project examining the words, terms and meanings artists use to describe their work and their thoughts on the word “craft”.
There are a myriad of influences on my work, but none as important as my ninety-six year old grandmother…When I think of “craft”, the image of her, fingers taped like a boxer before a fight and standing beside the big quilting frame, springs to mind - JoAnna Lange
As a maker, I am slightly ashamed to say that I like massproduced objects. I think a great deal about the difference between a factory made object and handmade object and why there is still such a stigma against mass-production...For me, craft is about the creativity and intent of the maker and the time and care put into honing the skills to realize that intent. -Noriko Masuda
I have been influenced by the theory of biological imperatives, and how this relates to making craft. In 2004, I attended a lecture by Bruce Metcalf, at ACAD. One of Bruce’s major theories about craft particularly resonated with me. He postulated that humans demonstrate an innate human nature; essentially all humans exhibit signs of genetically programmed behaviours – a type of bodily intelligence. He ties this “impulse toward physical mastery” to craft. He notes that “…skilled work is, in fact, a manifestation of intelligence”. - Tara Owen
Fine Craft doesn’t materialize after a bit of tinkering. It requires an investment and commitment to constant practice and experimentation. With time and experience this bedrock becomes a launching pad where creativity and personal expression can soar. - Diane Krys
Do I have a strong opinion on the use of the word craft to describe what I do? Absolutely! I like the word... All of these concepts are embodied in the work that I do. My purses are well-made, with great care taken in the construction, down to the smallest detail. They are also most definitely functional, but the design brings them beyond the level of purely functional. They are proud examples of “fine craft”. - Kaarina Talvila
Craft is stories, history, breathing, looking and really seeing, absorbing, interpreting, materials, technique and most importantly making... After 40+ years of debating and struggling about labelling what is craft, art, etc., if I liked a label it would be fine craft. - Jackie Anderson
I admit an uneasy relationship with the language of craft. Words are powerful. They can entice and educate but also confuse and constrain... My words, just like the materials and techniques of my craft, must be carefully chosen so as to liberate rather than restrict my work or the viewer. - Paula Cooley
Concept and construction are both important to me for each piece I make. I couldn’t put more value on either element. The new label for this kind of work is “fine craft” and that’s fine with me. When people talk to me about my work, some are more interested in how it’s made, while others are more interested in why I made it. I want to talk to all kinds of people about my work, and I find it’s more interesting to validate different interpretations and see where that leads the conversation. -Larissa Blokhuis
