Makers: A History of American Studio Craft - Hardcover

Koplos, Janet; Metcalf, Bruce

  • 4.35 out of 5 stars
    23 ratings by Goodreads
 
9780807834138: Makers: A History of American Studio Craft
Hardcover
ISBN 10: 0807834130 ISBN 13: 9780807834138
Publisher: The University of North Carolina Press, 2010

Synopsis

Here is the first comprehensive survey of modern craft in the United States. Makers follows the development of studio craft — objects in fiber, clay, glass, wood, and metal — from its roots in nineteenth-century reform movements to the rich diversity of expression at the end of the twentieth century.

More than four hundred illustrations complement this chronological exploration of the American craft tradition. Keeping as their main focus the objects and the makers, Janet Koplos and Bruce Metcalf offer a detailed analysis of seminal works and discussions of education, institutional support, and the philosophical underpinnings of craft. In a vivid and accessible narrative, they highlight the value of physical skill, examine craft as a force for moral reform, and consider the role of craft as an aesthetic alternative.

Exploring craft’s relationship to fine arts and design, Koplos and Metcalf foster a critical understanding of the field and help explain craft’s place in contemporary culture. Makers will be an indispensable volume for craftspeople, curators, collectors, critics, historians, students, and anyone who is interested in American craft.

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About the Authors

Janet Koplos, a longtime writer and editor for Art in America magazine in New York, recently served as guest editor of American Craft magazine. She is author of Contemporary Japanese Sculpture and other books.



Bruce Metcalf is a studio jeweler and writer based in Philadelphia. He has taught at Kent State University and the University of the Arts and has exhibited his jewelry, sculpture, and drawings internationally.

From the Back Cover

Here is the first comprehensive survey of modern craft in the United States. The book follows the development of studio craft--objects in fiber, clay, glass, wood, and metal--from its roots in 19th-century reform movements to the rich diversity of expression at the end of the 20th century. Keeping as their main focus the objects and the makers, Koplos and Metcalf offer a detailed analysis of seminal works and discussions of education, institutional support, and the philosophical underpinnings of craft. Oversize, with more than 400 illustrations.

From the Inside Flap

Here is the first comprehensive survey of modern craft in the United States. The book follows the development of studio craft--objects in fiber, clay, glass, wood, and metal--from its roots in 19th-century reform movements to the rich diversity of expression at the end of the 20th century. Keeping as their main focus the objects and the makers, Koplos and Metcalf offer a detailed analysis of seminal works and discussions of education, institutional support, and the philosophical underpinnings of craft. Oversize, with more than 400 illustrations.

"About this title" may belong to another edition of this title.

Publisher
The University of North Carolina Press
Publication date
2010
Language
English
ISBN 10 
0807834130
ISBN 13 
9780807834138
Binding
Hardcover
Number of pages
544
Rating
  • 4.35 out of 5 stars
    23 ratings by Goodreads