Member-only story

Makers: A History of American Studio Craft

Casey Bell

·10.4k Followers· Follow

Published in Janet Koplos

8 min read

249 View Claps

45 Respond

Save

Listen

American studio craft is a diverse and vibrant field that encompasses a wide range of media and techniques. From furniture and ceramics to glass, metalwork, textiles, and jewelry, studio craft objects are handmade by individual artists or small workshops. American studio craft is often characterized by its emphasis on quality, craftsmanship, and innovation.

Makers: A History of American Studio Craft

by Janet Koplos

4 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	19869 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Print length	:	543 pages

The history of American studio craft can be traced back to the early 20th century, when a group of artists and designers began to reject the mass-produced, machine-made objects that were becoming increasingly common. These artists sought to create objects that were more personal, expressive, and meaningful. They drew inspiration from traditional crafts techniques as well as from the modernist art movements of the time.

In the 1930s and 1940s, American studio craft began to flourish as a distinct art form. This was due in part to the support of the Works Progress Administration (WPA),which provided funding for artists to create works of art for public buildings and other projects. The WPA also helped to establish art schools and workshops where artists could learn and develop their skills.

After World War II, American studio craft continued to grow and diversify. Artists began to experiment with new materials and techniques, and new craft centers and galleries were established. In the 1960s and 1970s, American studio craft was influenced by the counterculture movement, which emphasized individuality and self-expression. This led to a resurgence of interest in traditional crafts techniques, as well as the development of new and innovative approaches to craft.

Today, American studio craft is a thriving and respected art form. Studio craft objects can be found in museums, galleries, and private collections around the world. American studio craft artists continue to push the boundaries of the field, creating new and exciting works of art that reflect the diversity and creativity of American culture.

Early American Studio Craft

The roots of American studio craft can be traced back to the early 19th century, when a number of skilled craftsmen began to establish themselves as independent artists. These craftsmen, who were often trained in traditional apprenticeships, produced a wide range of objects, including furniture, ceramics, metalwork, and textiles.

One of the most important early American studio craft artists was Samuel McIntire (1757-1811). McIntire was a master carver and architect who designed and built some of the most beautiful homes in Salem, Massachusetts. His work is characterized by its intricate carvings and delicate details.

Another important early American studio craft artist was Duncan Phyfe (1768-1854). Phyfe was a cabinetmaker who became known for his elegant and stylish furniture. His work is often characterized by its use of mahogany and its graceful lines.

In the early 19th century, a number of American craftsmen began to travel to Europe to study the latest trends in art and design. These craftsmen were influenced by the European Arts and Crafts movement, which emphasized the importance of craftsmanship and the use of natural materials.

The Arts and Crafts movement had a significant impact on American studio craft. American craftsmen began to experiment with new materials and techniques, and they began to create objects that were more personal and expressive.

The Rise of American Studio Craft

In the early 20th century, American studio craft began to flourish as a distinct art form. This was due in part to the support of the Works Progress Administration (WPA),which provided funding for artists to create works of art for public buildings and other projects. The WPA also helped to establish art schools and workshops where artists could learn and develop their skills.

One of the most important figures in the early development of American studio craft was Arthur Wesley Dow (1857-1922). Dow was an artist and educator who taught at the Pratt Institute in Brooklyn, New York. Dow developed a system of design that emphasized the importance of composition, color, and line. His system had a profound influence on American studio craft artists.

Another important figure in the early development of American studio craft was Frank Lloyd Wright (1867-1959). Wright was an architect who designed some of the most iconic buildings in American history. Wright also designed furniture, ceramics, and other objects. His work is characterized by its organic forms and its emphasis on craftsmanship.

In the 1930s and 1940s, a number of American studio craft artists began to experiment with new materials and techniques. This led to the development of a number of new and innovative approaches to craft.

One of the most important new materials that was used by American studio craft artists in the 1930s and 1940s was ceramic. Ceramic objects had been produced in America for centuries, but in the 1930s and 1940s, American studio craft artists began to experiment with new ceramic techniques and glazes. This led to the development of a new style of American ceramic art that was characterized by its bold colors and abstract forms.

Another important new material that was used by American studio craft artists in the 1930s and 1940s was metal. Metal objects had been produced in America for centuries, but in the 1930s and 1940s, American studio craft artists began to experiment with new metal techniques and forms. This led to the development of a new style of American metal art that was characterized by its welded forms and abstract designs.

In the 1950s and 1960s, American studio craft continued to grow and diversify. Artists began to experiment with new materials and techniques, and new craft centers and galleries were established. In the 1960s and 1970s, American studio craft was influenced by the counterculture movement, which emphasized individuality and self-expression. This led to a resurgence of interest in traditional crafts techniques, as well as the development of new and innovative approaches to craft.

American Studio Craft Today

One of the most important trends in American studio craft today is the increasing use of sustainable materials and processes. American studio craft artists are becoming increasingly aware of the environmental impact of their work, and they are taking steps to reduce their environmental footprint.

Another important trend in American studio craft today is the increasing use of digital technologies. American studio craft artists are using digital technologies to create new and innovative works of art. These artists are using 3D printing, laser cutting, and other digital technologies to create objects that would be impossible to create using traditional methods.

American studio craft is a dynamic and ever-changing field. As artists continue to experiment with new materials and techniques, the field continues to grow and evolve. American studio craft is a vibrant and exciting art form that reflects the diversity and creativity of American culture.

Makers: A History of American Studio Craft

by Janet Koplos

4 out of 5