Think for a moment…what impression do you get when you hear the word crafts? Images of summer camp arts and crafts, strewn with popsicle sticks and Elmer’s glue, probably come to mind. I want to dispel the misnomers that surround the mysterious and long-breathed area of art—crafts, through the entries of this blog. When I began as a young, naïve art student, a very similar image came to mind; however, it took more of the combined form of crafty-crap and a yarn embroidered rabbit that I created in fifth grade—essentially not a very positive view! Through my studies and track to becoming an art educator, slotted for a concentration in fine arts, particularly painting, I discovered a non-loom 3-D fibers structures course—it changed my perspective completely. I found that crafts, traditionally entailing the mediums of clay, wood, glass, fine metals, and fiber, could actually take the form of provocative imagery and concepts that are equivalent to the status of fine arts that is held in such high esteem. Ultimately I hold art educators responsible for the condescension toward the field of crafts. I say this because (think back long ago to your required art classes in grade school) most craft-oriented projects and the lack of contemporary artists that are presented in required art classes do not hold meaning, do not have progressive ideas, or simply took a functional purpose. Taking my fine arts perspective and translating it into a fibers medium I have been able to create fine art crafts. As paradoxical as it may seem, there is a large trend in the crafts world trying to progress the idea of fine crafts. The magazine, “FiberARTS”, and its website: www.fiberarts.com will provide visuals and introduce you to contemporary artists that are succeeding in fine crafts.
7 comments:
After reading "Crafts: Speaking in Generalities" I learned that there are so many aspects in crafts that I did not know about. Before reading this information I always thought of crafts in a way like children doing arts & crafts or knitting. Now I know that there are many different kinds of crafts and I'm actually interested in learning more and actually taking up some of these crafts to see how I enjoy them. Thanks for the information.
I totally agree...I didnt think of crafts as anything outside of little "cutesy" projects we did as kids. However, I did take fibers when I got into KU as well and it definitely opened my eyes up to a whole new and different world of crafts. It was a great class which taught me a lot about fibers and many ways to make/create art out of various fibers. If you have the chance to ever take a fibers course at school I would def. reccommend taking one because they are an eye opener. Not to mention that fibers is not the only crafts course offered at KU. There are other great ones too which you could take. Great information Liz!
Liz, this is a great blog post. I enjoy your use of big words. :-) And I agree with the other two comments. "Crafts" are usually meant to mean kiddy stuff. But I've seen through your art and J.P.'s art that it's much better than that!
Your comment about hows crafts "presented in required art classes do not hold meaning, do not have progressive ideas, or simply took a functional purpose." This perfectly describes the art projects I did in grade school. Now, I see the term "crafts" holds a much larger meaning. I feel it would be greatly beneficial to students for grade schools to hold a more progressive approach with regards to the art of craft making.
The transition of the general population's mindset from "crafty crap" to "fine crafts" will be a difficult one to make. However, with the proper information and substantial contradictory evidence to current views, it is possible to change the way crafts are seen. Thanks for opening people's eyes, and keep working toward that goal!
I totally agree, I am constantly defending my art as a Craft minor and Art Eduaction major. I is a tough world out there. I am glad that you choose this as your topic for your blog~ We need to get the world out that art is not just pencil drawings and paintings. Fiber Art Power!!!
I find it interesting how you place the responsibility of student's perspective of crafts in the hands of the educator. I too agree that there are certain things educators are responsible for, especially any biases that they influence into their students towards any medium, topic, or perspective. It's responsible of you, as a future educator, to be considering these responsibilities.
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