If you like or are even a little interested in clay this is your chapter. Clay literally came into life during this intense period. Major shifts in production and philosophy allowed for creativity to soar. Although still a male dominated media there are women noted and discussed. All the other media seem to be pale during this decade...I am sure that is not totally true but it seems that way reading this chapter.
Again look at the time frame in the beginning. How many of these milestones still influence us ?
Based on last weeks readings concerning the introduction of crafts into schools read carefully the section on "Craft Embraces Academia". How do you feel about professors vs. professionals in art?
Where you taught that selling work was selling out? How do you price your work? Mainly consider what is the value of the art you make to the quality of your life.
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ReplyDeleteSurprised: I was mostly surprised by how quickly it sounded that America caught on to the new “informal” designs and crafts. Shows the growth in arts in our country. I laughed out loud a little when the book stated, “(this informality) seem like a valid aesthetic rather than an embarrassment.” Not being from that time, but understanding how society was, I can see why some folks who stood on my traditional terms would think this style would be seen as an embarrassment for people.
Impressed: I was impressed by Viktor Schreckengost’s Jazz Bowl! The details are so pretty and the fact that Eleanore Roosevelt bought three of them was pretty impressive. I loved how the bowl could be functional but also a collage of his memories in an art form that can be displayed for the public to enjoy.
Take Away: What I’m taking away from this chapter is Anna W. Olmsted’s hard work of creating the Ceramic National. Mainly at how small the show was the first year and how big it grew to be by the next year; then only kept on growing. Shows how hard work, dedication, and persistence can pay off.
Where do I want to go with my education? I want to learn more about things that I haven’t had the chance to learn about yet. I’ve always told people that I would continue taking classes if education was free. I would now take classes that I didn’t even think about in the beginning years of my undergrad. I’ve gotten really interested in the environment and what we can do to help it. I’d like to know more about that and how I can use the skills I already have, as an educator and an artist, to help. I wish I would have had the time to have taken more studio classes in my undergrad, like watercolor and textiles. I like being able to know a little bit of a lot of things. I know Candie mentioned that there are classes that are offered for free with a little research and time. One of these days I will find the time. Need to invest more time like that in my summers for sure.
What are you taking this summer? And yes, Candie is correct, there are free lessons, workshops and information waiting for you. Introductory lessons are offered at TAEA,and ask your friends what they know and would they share. All it takes is a an hour a day to look up the information.
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ReplyDeleteSurprised: Ha! I was also surprised to read how students despised foundation classes as much as they still do now. I was one of them too. Maybe not flat out despised them but definitely felt like I could be making other stuff that I was more interested in than “wasting” my time learning the basics. But as a teacher now, wow, roles have changed. I believe the foundations are so important to master any form of art. I watched an episode of this show last night where this senior high school kid sneaked into a college philosophy class (for a girl). He ended up liking the subject so much, he ended up skipping high school. Anyways, he writes this paper for the college class in which he thinks it’s the best thing he’s ever written because he felt like he really understood the subject but got an F from the professor. Turns out that he knew all about the subject but didn’t know how to write a paper. It all starts out knowing the foundations right?
Impressed: I’ve always been impressed by the art of wood turning. I find it so fascinating and sort of like a calming technique. Stress free, but then again I’ve never tried it. The products are beautiful and I loved reading that part when reading about James Prestini. I was impressed how many high schools were teaching it at the time, and loved the idea of makers creating souvenirs out of local woods for tourists.
Take Away: I also would say that what I take away most from this chapter is Alber’s success from how she learned to talk about her art. She was not just able to attract other weavers but also artists from different mediums. That’s not easy, but I think it also goes back with knowing your foundations and how everything in art have connections to other styles of art.
As for my project, I’m still thinking about weaving a wall hanging. I will need to get the basics down (which I’ve been taught before, but a long time ago) but I will like to further the project and incorporate my love of the outdoors to it. Maybe a mountain scenery? Or as simple as inspirations from the colors of the National Parks I’ve been (ex: Utah – reds/oranges/yellows)
Foundations are useful. What if they included conversation from the students on art, times to dream , lessons in breaking the rules and literal play time with a medium. I think the complaint about foundations is that it is never applied to a final project.
DeleteI love the idea of a weaving...what if you included elements found in nature?
That's what I was thinking too! I want to experiment with techniques on how I can incorporate leaves, or pieces of pine cones?, rocks that I find (I have this quartz I found while hiking in Guadalupe once that came to mind), I was even thinking of making a series of wall hangs from each national/state park I've been to. That would be pretty neat
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ReplyDeleteClay!!! My favorite!!!
Surprised- I am continually surprised by the way artists work with clay. I have always wanted to learn how to throw clay and use a wheel. I am more comfortable with slab and carving of clay. I'm surprised by the art that can be made- the sheer size of some of the pieces, then the color that the glazes add to the pieces can completely change the piece.
Impressed-I loved the influence that nature had on art during this time. You can see that in the tables, jewelry, ceramics pieces, textiles, everything. I loved the vase on page 254. It reminds me of sea glass. I also love the fact that the Higginses believed they could add a personal touch to consumer goods.
Take Away- the take away I had from this chapter is to look at the things around you and find inspiration in those things.
Extra Question- I was never a "trained" artist. I don't have a degree in art. I've learned what I do just by experimenting. I think there needs to be a balance between professors and professionals. I liken it to teaching and my college of education classes. I wanted my professors to have been professionals in the field because they can offer a unique take on subject. Art professors that are art professionals offer their experiences and help guide art students. Does that make sense?? As for pricing my art. Everyone will tell you that I have a really bad business model- I often give art to friends and family for free! Not having the formal art education I have never been told that selling art is selling out.
I forgot to answer about my project- I was out of town this weekend and saw a really neat weaving project. It was a round hoop and then t-shirt fabric was used to weave. I think I will take a spin on this and take inspiration from the ocean!
Giving away your work might be your way of life. Do not apologize. The marketing end of art making is not for everyone nor do I think it should be for everyone. You, and you along have to decide how you handle your art.
DeleteGo for the weaving in the round idea...never seen one so I am excited.