Jack Larsen, a leading figure in the world of crafts, announced his decision on the best work and best booth at SOFA http://www.sofaexpo.com/ on April 14, 2011. He said two things which resonated with me.
One, that those involved in making craft objects were diminished by being called craft persons (something which makes them sound small) or craft artists (something which makes them sound like a lesser form of artist) and would be better described as "makers" or "artists."
Second, he expressed the opinion that Americans are entirely too concerned with bigness, i.e., the biggest box office grosses, highest auction prices, largest sales etc.
Larsen's depth and breadth are too great to detail here. More information about him can be found on the site of LongHouse, the treasure house of crafts and gardens he founded in East Hampton, NY. http://www.longhouse.org/
Both of Larsen's points can be applied to the world of designers and design objects. I will touch on this in the future.
One, that those involved in making craft objects were diminished by being called craft persons (something which makes them sound small) or craft artists (something which makes them sound like a lesser form of artist) and would be better described as "makers" or "artists."
Second, he expressed the opinion that Americans are entirely too concerned with bigness, i.e., the biggest box office grosses, highest auction prices, largest sales etc.
Larsen's depth and breadth are too great to detail here. More information about him can be found on the site of LongHouse, the treasure house of crafts and gardens he founded in East Hampton, NY. http://www.longhouse.org/
Both of Larsen's points can be applied to the world of designers and design objects. I will touch on this in the future.
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