crafting america

The impetus for this trip was the above titled exhibition.

“Craft can have several meanings, but in its essence, craft is skilled making on a human scale.” This exhibit presents craft in the United States from the 1940’s to today. Craft has thrived in the U.S.

I craft. I came to see the work of craft artists of renown.

Some works were done solo.

Ruth Asawa. “Untitled (S.028 Hanging Four–Lobed Continuous Form within a Form). Wire.

Arlene Shechet, All in All. Ceramic, wood & steel.

Others with partners.

Flora C. Mace and Joey Kirkpatrick, Fruit Bowl. Glass.

Sonya Clark, over five thousand participants, Beaded Prayers Project

Each participant in the Beaded Prayers project created two identical prayer pockets; one to keep and one to contribute to the project, with each containing a prayer.

These few examples are just a taste of the over 100 objects on view.

This was such a impressive exhibit. I found inspiration for crafting works I might want to try.

From the exhibit: “Everyone has a connection to crafts. Handmade objects play a meaningful role in our lives. Almost everyone owns something handmade: a bowl to eat from, a necklace to wear, a quilt for a bed. Craft and everyday life are tightly intertwined.”

I did have a solo show in our hotel room. It’s titled Drying Masks Hanging from Light Fixture.