Well, we have come to the end of this amazing book. I hope you keep this a reference and as an inspiration for your own work. As I have said many times before, it is one of my all time favorite books.
For the extra question share what you would do with an NEA grant...they were for $10,000 and could be used for anything. One artist purchased a car to take his art work to shows. Others used the money for supplies. All you had to do at the end of the year was write a short essay on how you used the money and did it make a difference.
You can give your review of one episode of Craft in America at anytime. The same is true for your final project.
Chapter 8:
ReplyDeleteSurprised: My surprised and amazed moment (but also proud and excited moment) is MoMA’s exhibition called Wall Hangings. All the wall hangings in this chapter has caught my eye and inspiration really because that’s what my project is about. I’m attempting to create a wall hanging that represents my adventures and love for the national parks. Mainly the ones I’ve visited and have images of to reference colors and texture. But this exhibition was said to be the first major museum to show this type of work as art pieces and not decorative or design pieces and that was huge.
Impressed: I was also impressed by the women who had success at an older age. I think we’ve always lived in a world where we feel like your moment to shine is supposed to be in your 20’s or 30’s (and now with some musical artists as young as in their pre teens!) but it’s good to be reminded that not everyone is the same as some people may get their time to shine later in their years. We need to be reminded that your amount of work will be paid off someday.
Take Away: My take away for this chapter is definitely the possibility that textiles can have when thinking “outside the box”. Take the inspiration I’ve gotten for weaving from this chapter, from wrapping, folding, free standing sculptures, folds, gaps, installations, mix media, the list can go on. I was taught weaving in elementary and I’ve only tried the standard loom (but we made it out of cardboard) with some patterns here and there. I’m ready to try more with the medium.
I chose to look up more on Sheila Hicks because I just loved her Principal Wife wall hanging and that style of weaving and wrapping each wool string with linen and silk. It feels so tactile, makes me want to touch them and feel how heavy they may be. Their colors are also very vibrant and makes me think she’s a very happy person. Which made me run into an interview she had with for The Brooklyn Rail, she said, “I want the desire to touch to be very much alive.” She talks about a “pattern of wanting”, nothing drives people more than WANTING something.
I can't wait to see your project!
DeleteYou have touched on some of the reasons I love fiber/textiles. The under represented medium. I have never understood the superiority of painting and bronze sculpture.
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ReplyDelete1. Something that surprised me was how odd Judith Schaechters choices and interests were in comparison to other artists. She loved dark and violent and dead things. She used to draw alot of cats in her previous art classes but later transitioned to glass work. Despite the darkness and disturbing images she portrays in her work, she tended to use bright lush colors.
2. I was impressed by how Lissa Hunters work embodied the culture and spirituality of Native American weaving. She used drawing and weaving to make her baskets "containers of recollections and emotions". She used symbolism to express what her art meant.
3. The take home from this chapter is that over time the craft world started to mature and more and more people supported this form of art and expression. Although there are many differences in crafts and in the artists, they all were able to come together as one big community and create a movement overall that still shocks the world today.
4. If I were to get that scholarship I'd definitely use the money to finance my education to medical school and maybe invest a little into trying to produce some of these cartoon characters I've been working on for years. As we all know this is a great amount of money and I most definitely feel as if it will give me that extra push I need to get done what I must to succeed in the future.
When I first saw a Judith Schaechter's work I was blown away. I had never seen anything so intense, so dark (as you described) and still so beautiful. For me this rich history is filled with individuals and groups that simply do it differently.
DeleteI know you will succeed in medical school and the cartoons will wait for you.
One thing that surprised me was the intensity and subject matter of the work by Keith Lewis. It seemed so in your face and sad. The animal imagery and the symbolism was shocking then and even now. One other thing that caught my attention was that the NEA was cut so drastically in an effort to sensor artists that had taboo or unacceptable content for a certain audience. It is sad that they have so much power...
ReplyDeleteI was impressed by the form and delicateness of the work by Daniel Clayman. I appreciate Art Nouveau and the shapes of his work remind me of that. The colors are so soft and the combination of materials was subtle and well crafted. The outer shell of bronze really made me think about how difficult it must have been to create this piece so that it fit just right.
I also LOVE the sound suits by Nick Cave! How interesting this is! The amount of time and details these must have taken is amazing!
The ceramics in this section is so diverse, but it all excites me. I have realized that throughout this book, I have been gathering ideas and inspiration for works that I would like to attempt later. Sometimes I feel so torn when I work. So many people have a focus and style, but I feel like I am all over the place. There are too many styles and artists that inspire me, so I'm a bit scrambled and less focused.
My take away is that although some crafts finally gained the stature they deserved by being showcased in exclusive museums and galleries, there were some mediums that were still lacking attention in the craft world.
They got $10,000 for anything they wanted and all they had to do was write a short essay?! What a grant! I think I would like to use a grant to unite engineers and artists to create art pieces that would improve communities. For example, turn illegal dumpsites and the materials that are in them into playgrounds or large-scale pieces of artwork for the neighborhoods that were once polluted by such items. I want to try and flip the negative that we're seeing which such waste these days into something positive.
The NEA was an easy target for a few very loud conservatives that had little knowledge of nor did they care to learn about art. And in all honesty a few artists and curators enjoyed being in their face and challenging the status quo. The final blow was the Mapplethorpe exhibit with the section on biracial gay intimacy. People totally ignored his incredible flowers and portraits. I have always put the responsibility on the curator. Mapplethorpe had not received a grant, but part of the catalogue was produced with NEA monies.
DeleteLove your idea for the grant.
I hate politics sometimes! I feel like it's happening again :(
Deletehttps://www.washingtonpost.com/news/arts-and-entertainment/wp/2018/02/12/trumps-budget-eliminates-nea-public-tv-and-other-cultural-agencies-again/?noredirect=on&utm_term=.59dd76e27d5d
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ReplyDeleteI don't know why I didn't know this, but I was surprised to see Alexander Calder did jewelry. It seemed so crude and basic at times, but it has an appeal. It is fascinating that he has become known so heavily in one area, yet it is overlooked that he did so much more than just mobiles.
I was impressed by the more earthy ceramic works in this section. I find that the more I am studying ceramics, the more I am drawn to the less showy works (although I can appreciate them and they do have their appeal) and can appreciate the beauty of imperfection more. Wabi Sabi was something that I just recently learned. I have always felt that appreciation for the everyday things, yet never knew there was a name for it in Japanese.
My take away from this chapter is that crafts are moving forward in gaining they ground they needed to be recognized. Some of this was the result of the success with the GI Bill.
My project was, at first, going to be clay. It seemed only natural for me to do something with clay since that has been my focus in the master's program these last couple of years. I decided, however, to go the route of embroidery, like you suggested earlier on. I wanted to challenge myself to try something that was out of my comfort-zone. It may not be the most amazing embroidery piece, but I have tried and that makes me happy. Besides, it is quite relaxing, actually.
Make up chapter 7:
ReplyDeleteI was surprised that for a time, art school teachers were NOT required to have a master's degree. I can't imagine a time where that wasn't so. It was quite genius that, "the academic community created a marketplace for its own product",
I was impressed by Frederick Miller's fruit bowl. At first I thought it was ceramics, but after realizing it was sterling silver, it had an even more extravagant appeal.
The take away from this chapter is that ceramics/clay reigned! It is amazing to see all the new players come into the scene and alter it. I wonder if they all knew how influential they would be. I have heard about Leech from Von, as well. Wasn't he the British man who would throw on the wheel in a fully suit and tie??
The polarization between academics and professionals still goes on today. I think that there are always so many different perspectives and motivations that it is hard to say there is only one right side to the matter. I don't really care where I end up, so long as I am satisfied with what I am creating and I continue to produce.
Nice insights. And your point about Calder is exactly why I love books/research. There is so much more to an artist than the one piece we show over and over and over.
DeleteCant wait to see your sewing.
The Craft in America episode that I watched was BORDERS Season 9, episode 1. It seemed perfect for a few reasons: 1. I live in El Paso, Texas, a border city. They address a lot of artwork and cultural things that I thought it would be interesting to know more about since it's right in my backyard. 2. It focused on textile works, so I thought it would be good since I am doing my embroidery piece for the class. 3. They addressed recycled materials and how to be environmentally friendly when doing artwork. All of these things appealed to me.
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I really loved hearing more about the day of the dead altars. I've seen my students and the community create works like this all around town, but it was great to hear about it from individuals celebrating it in Oaxaca, Mexico. It really is a beautiful thing to go through the process of making something with the sole purpose of remembering your loved ones. I would like to make an effort to do something like that for my family and friends. It is so easy to get caught up in our lives and not take a moment to pause and remember.
I also really liked that, throughout the episode, they kept reiterating that there are no borders in communities and within art. I really thought about what that meant and it fascinates me.
I loved the beautiful jewelry work at the end of the episode made out of rolled paper. It is amazing that they make all of their own paper from local plants and also that the weavers use insects and plants to make their dyes. This has made me want to go visit Oaxaca to see their museums and surrounding towns. This episode reinforced that I love folk art!
I would like to use these Craft in America episodes in my classrooms more. I don't know why I never have before. I guess it's because this is the first time I've ever watched one.
YEAH....I loved that episode also. I think your students would enjoy the entire series..a whole new way of looking at the world of art.
ReplyDeleteSchool competition and art show month is over! Sad but finally relieved from a lot of that stress. Here's the chapters I needed to catch up on. Overall I really enjoyed this book. I learned so much about the history of crafts and have grown an even bigger appreciation for them.
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Surprised: I was surprised by Price’s Happy’s decision on putting a halt on Curios. Mainly at how much money and time he spent on putting it together and knowing when to bring it to a stop. I think that says a lot about the artist and how confident they are about their work.
Impressed: The wearables section of the chapter really impressed me. I would have thought that this would have taken off earlier than it did honestly but with the type of stuff they were creating for people to wear after it became popular in the marketing world, I can visually see the time period. I took theatre in high school so we learned a lot about fashion in different time periods and I can see how that would fit in.
Take Away: I love how there are still things and subjects rising at this time. Like blacksmithing starting to be more popular and grow as a studio art in education.
Extra Questions: The first piece of artwork that came to mind when I read the questions were definitely Duchamp’s ‘Fountain’. I get how it’s considered art and how it’s very important in the art world but if I wasn’t taught about it so much I would not understand how a urinal would be considered art. Now that I follow local artists on social media, it’s been fun to be inspired by artists my age, some that I know, but are not in history books. Ellen Bruxvoort, fibers artist of FIBROUS, is a girl I went to high school with who has been having a lot of success with her handmade woven goods and fiber accessories. Another artist from the Austin area I’ve come to really like is Chris Long Ceramics. He incorporates typography into his mugs and other designs that I can relate to with my love of nature and adventure.
Looking at the art in your own back yard is perfect. I totally agree that Duchamp continues to confuse and to challenge our sense of artness.
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ReplyDeleteSurprised: Not necessarily surprised as much as I found it interesting that Autio didn’t have a concrete explanation or meaning for his design work for his clay works. I feel like for the most part, the design should have some sort of direction and that direction should be derived from a feeling, dream, opinion, or thought. At least that’s how I was taught how most artworks are made.
Impressed: I was impressed how size in ceramics started weaving out functionality in pottery. It shows growth and how as times change, and new techniques (and risks) are made, the art world changes too.
Take Away: Itter’s working technique would be something I would like to try. The whole, not working from a single idea, or starting in one section and continuing along in order, spontaneous. I’m more of a detail artist, need a clean desk/table to work on, one thing at a time artist, but stepping out of that organized state of mind sounds like it could be fun.
Extra Question: I’d say my favorite style of furniture (for looks) is modern. I like the minimalistic look that they have. BUT sometimes they aren’t as comfy as a big and cushioned traditional love seat. Art Deco would probably be my least favorite…I see it more as an art than as a functional art piece, although I know it can be functional.
I think that most artist or at least the ones I know, meander between functional and purely visual. I hate that we have to pick one or the other. What if the function becomes beauty or pleasure or curiosity or exploration and we simply change the dialog surrounding art/craft.
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ReplyDeleteSurprised: I was surprised to hear that wood turning didn’t have as great success or as big of an impact as the rest of the crafts. I’ve always thought wood turning was so beautiful. Reminds me a lot like the pottery wheel and that’s something I’m personally familiar with. Again, goes with creating something that’s functional yet unique and created by someone’s vision.
Impressed: As someone who likes to advocate and cares for the environment I was truly impressed by the woodworker’s action to help fund an organization to help protect the rainforest. I think it’s very important that if you are using a natural resource like wood that you do it in a way where it’s not hurting our environment. That way we can still produce and use this medium for years to come without running out.
Take Away: My take away for this chapter came from Darwall and his thoughts about creating something that someone will feel a connection with. I loved the quote, “a hand weaver is a human who can change its mind, something still impossible for the machine.” I believe this to be true. Buying something that’s been handmade by someone has always been important to me. That’s why I got into pottery. I wanted to make items that people could feel and use my work.
Extra Question: With that much money, I would definitely help pay my loans off for my education. It would definitely help, and as much as I try not to stress out about money, I do sometimes and it gets in the way of me feeling like creating or focusing on my art. All of my education has helped me so much though. Not only as an artist but as a teacher. Not only have I been able to learn about but also interact and communicate with so many different artists that have inspired me and the type of work I want to try and do in the future (but also teach my students how to do as well).
Good. Take a minute and think about what you would do with the money if your loans were paid off.
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ReplyDeleteSurprised: I was surprised with Michael Sherrill back-story and how he ties it into his art to help him be successful in life. I am always interested in the artist that has some disability and how they can influence the world.
Take Away: my take away from this chapter is how crucial it is to get a sense of what materials you are working with to give it more meaning and making your craft/artwork more unique to you as the artist
Impressed: Nick Cave - you work magically! I have always been impressed with him, and I was very excited to see his work in this book. His bushman and shaman suits are stunning. He is a manipulator of textiles extraordinaire. Terrific installations: keys, coffins, hearts, your first, feral stuff, and the wildly colored fantastical stuff/Enchanted by your work for decade+. Nick Caves is an inspiration to us who work in textiles and explore boundaries of fashion, fetishistic, ritualistic garments. And their anthropological antecedents.
Extra Question: Oh my goodness! 10,000 dollars for an art grant?! That is every art teachers dream! Well If I had the opportunity to win 10,000, I will first get all the latest, most excellent, top of the line brand art supplies. Let's face it, we all try to spread our budget to get the most of out it, but sometimes you have to determine if “cheaper” is better than good quality artwork. The rest of the money would be used to get a kiln and pottery wheels for my classroom. My background is in ceramics, and I would love to be able to teach more clay and throwing to my class and the process of glazing!
love what you would do for your students, but like I suggested for Melissa, take a minute and think about how you would use the money for YOU
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ReplyDeleteSurprised, but not surprised, regarding the federal funding being cut for the NEA. I know that this has been commented on this chapter before but it really is shocking and disgusting the power that a few can have. I was surprised by how dynamic Jack Wax’s work is. After watching some interviews with him he seems like a guy I could hang out with. I love how he brings texture to glass work. In one video I watched he was blowing into an extended slinky. Pretty cool.
Impressed: I liked reading about how people marketed their work or made their work unique enough that they could become a brand of their own. I thought that Jana Brevick’s Everchanging Ring (page 460) was genius on many levels. I also really loved the Ford and Forlano beads and how the process of their worth and growth was evident in their work and that is one thing that made it valuable. I think sometimes I feel like I can’t put anything out there until it is perfect but that isn’t realistic. A good reminder that the process is valuable as well. Also loved reading about how Dorthy Hafners scuba diving experience influenced her transition from ceramics to glass.
Take away: For some reason the artists and crafters in this chapter seemed really relatable to me. I loved reading about how some of these individuals’ capitalized on their individuality to make work that was true to themselves but could also speak to others.
$10,000 I would buy an etching press and additional supplies needed to set up a printing studio that could be open to the public. There is nothing like the CASP community where I am living currently and I think that it could really work here.
Interacting with the community is fun and you do it very well.
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ReplyDeleteSurprised: it was surprising to me to read about Richard Newman’s journey to his style of woodworking. I thought it was interesting that, for him, working within tradition seemed more natural than working in a more innovated modern style. For me it seems to be the opposite. That being said I did enjoy learning about how history influenced his work.
Impressed: A lot of things impressed me in this chapter. Wendell Castle’s Clock endeavor, Jim Makins Pottery (throwing in continuous contact with his work and the meaning behind that), and all of the glass work (Therman Statom’s being the most interesting to me). I also really loved the section on Autio’s nudes and found it almost comical as the authors of the book attempted to guess what his work might represent. I personally sometimes just create something because I want to…no meaning underneath it…not a lot of inspiration I can put my finger on….nothing I am demanding it to communicate etc. I wonder if that is what this was for him.
Take away: I think this chapter really helped me visualize the balancing act between art and craft. I also thought it was interesting how visually compelling I found most of the art at first glance and then to read how important it was for art to be photogenic at this time was interesting. I think this definitely reflects the emphasis on marketability at the time.
My favorite style of furniture is mid-century modern. You could say it’s trendy right now but I like it because of the simple lines and curves, and that it makes me feel like I’m at my Grandma’s house and outer space at the same time. Two things that I love.
I consider wood to be interesting and highly misunderstood. It never has seemed to break out of the role of function. As I said earlier, why cant we forget the old division and begin a new way of talking about these materials. Look at the totality of the artist, the materials, the context and the intention.
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ReplyDeleteI was impressed by the way Louis Comfort Tiffany used enamel to make jewelry and other objects like bowls. I like how he layered the enamel to get different effects and different colors. I would like to learn how to enamel jewelry. I was also impressed by how detailed the jewelry was.
I was surprised about how many different objects of art that Frank Lloyd Wright designed.
I didn't know that Frank Lloyd Wright made furniture and leaded glass windows. I was really surprised that he designed some dresses for Mrs. Avery Coonley. I had someone tell me that you needed to choose one medium and stay with it. I feel is that the objects that Frank Lloyd Wright designed is proof that you can work in many different mediums.
I will take away with me Hubbard's credo “I believe in myself. I believe in the good that sell. I believe in the firm for whom I work. I believe in my colleagues and helpers. I believe in American Business methods. I believe and producers, creators, manufacturers, distributors, and in all industry workers of the world who have a job, and hold it down.” I feel that you could easily make a credo for yourself. It would start the same and stating that you believe in yourself. After that you can make it for a particular craft or for a particular time and period of your life.
My idea of a crafts community would be where people could work on their craft and live with their family. There would be spaces for children to also be involved in the making of crafts. I really like the idea of teaching your children about a craft that you have learned from your parents or grandparents. Maybe it's a tradition that is passed down an example would be a grandmother teaches her daughter to how to crochet and the daughter teaches her daughter.I want imagined my perfect house as having a gallery, a workspace and a living space.
Chapter 3
ReplyDeleteI was impressed by Oscar Louis Bachelder. I like how he went into business for himself. I also liked how he made utility pottery and made pottery that was decorative. I really loved the quote that he gave to a magazine writer. Bachelder said “ is the result of care and simple diet and freedom from habits that prey upon the body…. live each day as fully as possible. shut worry away, plan ahead, dream ahead, easier be one year younger, dress as simple as possible, as nearly naked as you can. Let no habit become your master.” He was 70 at the time and was talking about his “vigor”. I feel that habit can hinder the discovery and ability to create new and unique artwork.
I was surprised with the Armory Show and how it was organized by artist. I liked how the AAPS went against the American Academy of Design. I loved how this show open the door for Modern Art in America. I was pleased that the Armory Show was such a success for Modern Art.
I am take away with me a new understanding of the past and how hard it was for American Modern Artist. I am learning how never to give up on your dreams and what you believe in. perseverance and persistence and determination are all qualities that artist need not only in the past but also in this day and age.
My favorite chair would have to be an overstuffed chair with an ottoman. I don't have this chair anymore. It was a chair that I had when my kids were young. I like being able to sit in this chair and have the kids sit next to me and read to them. I like having both my kids sit with me and watch movies. It reminds me of when they were young.
I have always loved art history and I too find small facts fascinating. I call them my missing key stones, facts that somehow make all the stories come together.
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ReplyDeleteI was surprised by how the New Deal influenced and supported artist during that time. I like how the federal craft programs wanted to preserve craft and educate more people to become craftsman in an medium. I liked how the WPA Supported different groups or crafts projects all around the United States. I don't agree with the law that required not competing with manufactured goods and I think the world might be different today.
I am impressed with Wharton Esherick and his woodworking. I am glad he would not give into industrial design. I am impressed with how he is an artist not a designer and how his woodwork was abstract. I really like how he redesigned the Bok house. The door frames and the fireplace are a modern example of cubism. I like how it looks like a frame around a picture and it draws your eye into the picture (room or fireplace). It reminds me of a wooden door frame that I saw in New Mexico that was a lavish curved wood entry.
What are you carrying away with you?
I am taking away with me how the Depression impacted the arts and crafts world of the United States. I remember talking to my great-grandfather about the Depression. I remember how they collected every little scrap and they didn't throw away near the trash we throw away today. My great-grandfather said you never knew what you can melt down and reuse or how you would find new uses for objects. My mother always told me that my great-grandfather kept a lot of things for the day that you might need to use them an example was that he would keep scrap pieces of copper. No matter how little or big it was he kept it.
As I continue to work on my masters, I still don't know exactly what I want to do with my masters. Having my masters will not get me any further as an Elementary art teacher but it does make me think about my future and also the future the kids that I teach. How will art affect their future? How will art affect their mindset and their self esteem?
If I stay on a timeline, I should finish up my masters by the end of next summer. I would like to take several Studio classes at one time but with my life, being a single mom and a full time teacher, I don't have time to take more than one class at a time. This year has been extremely hard with my dad being sick and passing away. On a better note this year I was teacher of the year at my school.
Congrats! on the award. And I am sorry for your loss.
DeleteI hope this book will both inspire you to continue your art..even if it is a corner of room or a cleaned out garage.And that it will expand what you share with your students.
Chapter 6
ReplyDeleteI was surprised by the the fact that only recently has there been any research into African American potters. I think it's sad that the information is limited. I like Sargent Johnson artwork. I find the African American influence of his designs interesting and abstract. I found it interesting that he traveled to New Mexico to meet Maria Martinez.
I was impressed by the jewelry that was made during that time period. I like the pieces that were made with found objects. I feel that these represent the changes to come to modern and abstract art that was developing. I like the necklace by Anni Albers and Alex Reed. I like to incorporate found objects in my jewelry making. I have used styrofoam in some of my necklaces and I have cast styrofoam for some silver pieces of art.
I am carrying away with me a feel for the personality of Beatrice Wood. I feel that she not only was rebellious but had a great sense of humor. I looked up some of her figurines and found them to have had a shock factor especially for back in the 40s. I love the lusters that she used on her pottery, it reminds me of Raku.
For my artwork, I plan on throwing some pottery and experimenting with glazes. I plan on taking jewelry this summer and expanding on my use of Styrofoam and plastics.
I think you would love a book about Beatrice Wood called "Sometimes I Shock Myself"...wonderful photos and quotes.
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ReplyDeleteI was surprised by the mention of Zen and Buddhist influences on ceramics during this time period. I was captivated by Mingei beliefs about artwork. I had heard the phrase “born not made” but had never known where it came from. He also believes that artwork “should be approached in a state of nonconceptualization, the Zen state of “ no mind”. As I think about this I realize that sometimes I can overthink a piece of artwork.
I was impressed by the Otis gang. I liked how they created their artwork and how involved they were with the communities. I really like the scale of their art pieces. I like how John Mason created walls with clay that were around 6 ft by 11 ft. I like Paul Soldner’s artwork that was 4 to 6 ft tall and how he was involved with several different art organizations. I admired Jerry Rothman’s outdoor installations made from clay.
I am carrying away with me the ambition to create some large pieces of ceramics. I am not good at throwing large vessels but I can make some hand-built that are pretty large. I have a love for clay but also have found a love for jewelry making.
I feel that there is a place for professors and a place for professionals in the art world. In some capacity it would not matter whether it was a professor or a professional. I do understand that professionals usually produce more and do repeats so they can sell their artwork to make a living. where as a professor produces artwork that maybe more experimental and will not produce as many or repeats. In considering what the value of the art you make to the quality of your life. I would have to say that art is a part of my life and therefore it is part of the quality of my life. I feel that art has enhanced the quality of my life and my children's life. As an Elementary art teacher I can see how art influences the quality of life in my students.
Why not add jewelry to your art...like a charm bracelet around the neck of a piece
DeleteI like it. I will try to add some this summer. Von said I could throw some pottery pieces in to be fired.
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ReplyDeleteSurprised: A lot of the ceramic work was amazing!!! I was super surprised by how experimental the work was!
Impressed: I loved Ruth Asawa’s Untitled Wire Sculpture. It was interesting because the material she used within her textile context seemed like they should work against one another but the final product is almost meditative in nature. I found it pretty interesting to that she was “most prolific” in her work while raising her 6 children. My mother is a watercolor artist and she said she did some of her favorite work while raising her 8 children.
Take-away: I think the biggest take away from this chapter for me was how influential one individual or one decision can be in the course of history. Some examples in this reading included how influential the Good Design Installation in the MOMA could be for furniture retailers decided what was “in style” or “good design” as the title of the exhibition implies. The influence of one large personality, Peter Voulkos, in the world of ceramics, or Bernard Leach’s book “A Potter’s Book” dictated the standards and values in ceramics for some. This quote found in the section about Leza McVey’s work illustrates this idea. “Her story illustrates how arbitrary circumstances and social conditions shape the history of art as much as talent does” (223)
I think there are positives and negatives to being a professor and a professional. On one hand I think it’s great that a professor has more flexibility to create what they want because they have their salary as a safety net. But I’ve also felt pressure from some professors to be more innovative when I didn’t want to. Sometimes I just want to be really really good at one process and focus more on design. So, I could also make the argument that academia gives me less flexibility to create what I want.
I have a lot of dissonance when it comes to selling my art. I don’t think selling work is selling out, although I have been taught that indirectly at times, but I have a tendency to just give my stuff away if someone likes it. But I know I need to make money and take care of a family so...I’m still figuring that stuff out. I will say that I can’t put a dollar value on how making art improves my life. Probably like most of everyone in this class, I would make art for free for the rest of my life if that was a possibility.
Chapter 8 –make-up
ReplyDeleteSurprised: There were several times while reading this chapter where I thought a lot about the material I work with as an artist and how the material itself directs my work. For example Tommy Simpson used “low grade” wood for his works that evoked play and experimentation and steered clear of “serious wood”. Ronald Pearson talked about how his influence as he worked with metal was the process of working with metal. I was surprised as I thought about how the material I use in printmaking might influence my printmaking
Impressed: I really enjoyed reading the section on glass. Lipofsky’s California Loop series is cool and I think the use of flocking really added depth to the piece. I also really was impressed by Toshiko Takaezu’s work. I love reading how each artists background and journey in life influenced their work and who they are as a person. She seems like a very interesting, mysterious person.
Take Away: I think this chapter reinforced how influential ceramics were in opening up art and craft to self-expression. I enjoyed reading about all of Paul Soldner experimentation with raku and thought it was pretty funny to imagine him doing those experimentations in public not knowing what the outcome would be. I guess a bigger take-away would be that this time period really was about experimenting and expression.
I chose Wharton Esherick (p. 284). Initially because I was impressed by Wendell Castle’s fearlessness to make a pilgrimage out to see him without warning, only to be shut down. I like that kind of courage. Esherick, as the book states, was one of the most influential designers of furniture as art. But in an article I read, he embraced his mistakes and learned from them. The article states that “Wharton would joke that fireplaces were made for mistakes, but in truth he lived among so many of his own pieces (from returned commissions to early prototypes yet to be resolved) that were grounded in growth and exploration over perfection.”
I liked that he used so much of his “mistake” furniture in his own home.
Chapter 9-make-up
ReplyDeleteSurprised: I guess I was surprised at how much I loved the pieces that had humor or irony behind them. My favorites were Edward Zucca’s Shaker Television (I loved the irony but also loved the aesthetics of the piece). Another favorite was Patti Warashina’s “Love it or Leave it” and ironically my wife and I will celebrate our 7th anniversary this year. I just thought the details were perfect (dress tied like a hospital gown, neck plugged in etc.) It made me realize that my style is a lot like these two pieces. I like commenting on social issues through humor.
Impressed: Ruth Duckworths Blade cup was one of my favorite pieces in this chapter. I really loved the unglazed surface and the sculptural influence in that work.
Take-away: A time of innovation, especially in ceramics. And if you weren’t innovative your work was less accepted.
A piece of art that I would not have considered art: Equilibrium by Jeff Koons
A piece that I love but is not found in the history books: The Screaming Hand by Jim Phillips. The screaming hand is in some skateboard art books but not in any fine art publications that I’ve seen.