Comments on Conceptual Metalsmithing: Contemporary Craft: Non-Functional or Dysfunctiona...

dude, you have no faith in craft. you must underst...

2010-11-03T11:16:57.757-04:00

dude, you have no faith in craft. you must understand there is no such thing as art, only the artist. Craft today reflects the time in which it was created. that is true of any era of art. We, as craftsman, need to understand the views of the people today and compete with what is out there. If you create more traditional pieces, you must understand a modern approach should also be considered. We are a product of our time. You cant just give up.

One more important point: I agree with Jon Sutter ...

2008-10-13T02:56:00.000-04:00

One more important point: I agree with Jon Sutter that the model of the craftsman working in his shop and selling useful items to his neighbors is, well, medeival. I think one could argue that craft artists who picked up on contemporary art trends invigorated the field - like Peter Voulkous in the 50's picking up on abstract expressionism, or Miriam Shapiro maybe (see Glenn Adamson's "Thinking Through Craft" for a good analysis of this)or those who picked up on the post-modernist moment and Memphis in the 80's perhaps ( see "Postmodern Ceramics", Del Vecchio, Clark). The problem now is that the contemporary art world is in a post-skill, overly theorized, market driven mash (although the market part may be in for a good correction soon). There's no "there" there. Somehow I don't think Target is sufficient to replace a solid contemporary discourse. People try to claim DIY as a rally point for the future, and it may be a place to start - until the real thing comes along, as Ella Fitzgerald said.

As a Furniture Society member, I'd welcome more cr...

2008-10-13T02:25:00.000-04:00

As a Furniture Society member, I'd welcome more cross fertilization in the craft field. This is what the ACC has always had the potential to achieve. The last ACC conference (Houston), although somewhat raucous, and although many of the weaknesses of the field were on display, was useful on a grass roots and personal level for reminding us that we have much more in common than we might think.

Function is critical. But don't forget that art has a function too. O.K. there's way too much useless shit out there on display. But skill of all kinds is to be sought and supported - We need skill now more than ever don't we ? (don't forget to vote). My model for a successful contemporary practice includes personal vision, a personal voice, market savvy, work that appeals on many levels and at a range of price points. There's no getting away from the fact that a maker needs an audience. If the old audiences are fading away, new ones will replace them. That is the challenge and there's just no guarantee of success. In the meantime, if any SNAG members are passing through New Bedford,Ma. come by for a drink and we'll start building that bridge. It would be a nice break from CNN and MSNBC.

Its is our privilege as craft artists to be expert...

2008-10-10T15:39:00.000-04:00

Its is our privilege as craft artists to be experts in our fields. I take pride in the fact that when I need something the first thing I do is try to make it myself. If I can't make it, then I turn to an expert. (thank you Gabe and Amy...I am still working on that ring)

If I started to find quality made things from "expert" craftsmen at Target, Hell Yes I would buy it.

Maybe I am too trusting but I think there is always room for the well designed functional object. The craft/studio artist has this unique responsibility to inform the design of something through experience. Who better to know every bend and curve of the thing that I sit on then a woodworker/furniture designer?

Being a jewelry designer sometimes I find it hard to justify the "use" or function of jewelry. What is it for? Why would anyone wear a brooch made out of a ping pong paddle? This is why the theory of craft is important. Learning the importance of your field. Ask the important questions. Discover the important answers. These answers lead to self improvement. Self improvement leads to a better studio practice. A better studio practice ultimately produces a better "object". A better object leads to a better life experience.

For me, personally, I want to improve life and the lives of others through my work. Don't you think that is a great thing to aspire to do? Who cares what you have to do to get there.

sorry, I think I posted my comment to the wrong en...

2008-10-10T10:31:00.000-04:00

sorry, I think I posted my comment to the wrong entry...anyhow, check below for my comment (if you'd like - ha!). Thanks again for the post Jon...

Enjoyed the essay.
I do enjoy the equivalence o...

2008-10-09T21:25:00.000-04:00

Enjoyed the essay.
I do enjoy the equivalence of the lone maker with the likes of Target.
Without a “personal vision,” wouldn’t you be making something that’s already been made?

Must say I agree with Wagner's future in function assessment and the primacy of public interaction. We must respond to the Culture War with more than collateral damage.

Are you part of the bridge to the furniture world?
I agree with others who have proposed a conjoined conference between SNAG and The Furniture Society.

Long live the dead crafts.