Craft Perception and Practice: A Canadian Discourse

edited by Paula Gustafson

Paperback: 218 pages
Publisher: Ronsdale Press (2002)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 0-921870-94-9
Dimensions: 10.0" x 7.5" x 0.65"
Shipping Weight: 1.63 lbs.

Craft Perception and Practice is a new series designed to give recognition to the exciting developments occurring in contemporary Canadian craft practice and scholarship over the past decade. This first volume brings together 24 essays and critical commentaries by 16 independent critics and curators, professional artists, art historians, and studio art instructors. Illustrated with 37 colour photographs of works by some of Canada's finest craft artists, the texts represent the depth and range of critical thought about Canadian craft appearing in national and international periodicals and exhibition catalogues.

Exploring the diversity of current craft practice and its intrinsic connections between traditional and contemporary art, these multi-disciplinary texts discuss the conceptual, social, and cultural significance of work in craft media. The authors engage linguistic and feminist theories, as well as previously overlooked aspects of tactile, sensual, and tacit knowledge to create a nuanced discourse about making and appreciating crafted objects. With this groundbreaking series, craft resumes its rightful place as a vital form of artistic expression.

Craft Perception and Practice substantiates academic and advancement of craft curricula and provides an authoritative springboard for debate and discussion amongst craft practitioners, curators, and collectors.