Juror’s Statement
The objects that comprise 'Craft' take on all manner of shapes, sizes, colors and textures. So too the artists practicing craft disciplines engage diverse backgrounds, perspectives and skills in creating their work. Yet, in jurying this exhibition, I set myself on the task of finding the common threads. From ceramic vessels to carved wood sculptures, crocheted and woven fibers to hand wrought metal and hand blown glass - through seeking objects executed with intent and skill, I found a wealth of similarities despite the differences of each discipline. Common forms, color relationships, and shared concepts emerged through the different media. Together, these objects show that through its diversity, craft is unifying - for this mid-states region and for all.
So, what is craft? I get this query often and, admittedly, my answer often varies. Not because I am fickle or uncertain but because 'Craft' is a word we use to categorize and describe objects brought into this world through the very personal act of making something by hand. And the tactility of these hand hewn objects also make them personal for the viewer, collector, enthusiast. Whether we touch it, use it functionally or just take in the visual textures and formal relationships, there is a humanism in an object's tactility that we each connect with consciously and subconsciously. Because 'craft' objects are personal, by nature they mean different things for different people and, even at different times for the same person. Again, craft is both diverse and unifying.
As you take in the objects presented in this exhibition, ask yourself: 'What is 'craft' to me? What is 'craft' for us all?
Isabelle Weiss
Detroit, Michigan
Accredited Appraiser
Fine Art + Design, ISA AM
Director - I.M. Weiss Gallery
Award Winners
