March 4, chapter 5

What a great time! Dr. Seuss, Wizard of Oz and Amelia Earhart. Adventures of the mind and with the body.
This chapter introduces us to the path art/crafts took to become part of higher education. Not always a smooth path or even a well received path. As you read consider where you are in your education, how you got here and where you want to go. For your extra question talk about what you would like for your education/learning/growing. What classes. Do you need credit? Should it stay on a semester timeline? What would you take that is not offered? Dream.

Feb 25th, Chapter 4

Thank you for sharing your chairs. I could imagine having them all in a gathering as we talked about this book. For the record my favorite chair is a recliner in my studio (which also rocks). I love to have sketches or works in progress on the wall and be able to stretch back to look at the work...maybe nap a bit and then see the work with rested eyes.

For this chapter's extra question, consider the influence from outsiders...curators, anthropologists, collectors. When does good intention cause more harm than good? Or is it just progress?  Have you ever had a story elaborated about you/your work? How much of art history is really just marketing stories?

My favorite red chair- engagement photo

Feb 18th, Chapter 3

When I think of an artists community I envision a cluster of living studio spaces with large areas for clay, glassblowing, metals (jewelry and large scale), wood working painting and printmaking areas. I always like a large dinning area (with cooks on hand for good meals) and lots of space to walk/dream/think. I love the idea of shared works areas like kilns, glory holes, casting equipment with a manager on hand to ensure safety and offer advise. I love the opportunity to have conversations throughout the day and into the night. And space for visitors and critters.

Pay attention to the timeline at the beginning of the chapter..image a time with both Norman Rockwell and the Armory Show! Look at how clay matured and the slow addition of women. Enjoy.

So for this week's extra question describe your favorite chair. What does it look like, is there a story behind the chair, how does it feel?

Feb 11, Chapter Two

I love how each chapter begins with a historical outline to help us understand the world slightly better and maybe not judge so quickly. As you read each chapter take time to try and really study the work created...image how the material feels. Image how the piece was created...how long would it have taken. How would you have reacted to the work if you had been alive then. Mainly just enjoy.

In the last reading I asked you about studio craft and architecture because I believe that in many ways architecture is the biggest supporter of studio craft. They design around and purchase studio craft items for their buildings. Some, not all, 1% for the art commission are studio crafts based. Wall tiles, glass and/or clay installations are examples.

As you answer the three main questions: What impressed you? 2. What surprised you? and 3. What are you caring away with you? continue to question your relationship to studio crafts. For question #4
I am asking you to describe your ideal of a crafts community. Dream.

PS. Mr. William, this chapter is for YOU.