Craft in the Laboratory: The Science of Making Things

This volume is the first to examine how craft artists and designers apply scientific and mathematical concepts to creating their work, and reveals approaches to problem-solving among these makers and professionals in STEM fields (science, technology, engineering and mathematics). The acronym STEM reflects educators’ recognition that these fields are central to understanding how the 21st-century world functions, but those with training in the arts argue instead for the acronym STEAM, emphasizing how “art” intersects with the four other fields.

Craft in the Laboratory builds off STEAM-related programming created by the Mint Museum of Art’s department of Learning & Engagement to explore this intersection in depth. Drawn from the Museum's renowned permanent collection of craft and design in all media—ceramic, pottery, wood, metal, glass, fibre, textiles and design— this volume highlights how artists have thought like scientists and engineers. For example, Kate Malone’s knowledge of the chemistry of clay bodies and glazes allows her to produce sculptures such as Heart Walnut. Douglas Harling made Vishnu Dreams using the ancient technique of granulation, aided by his understanding of the roles of surface tension, oxygen reduction, and eutectic bonds in fusing gold granules to a surface. Zoltán Bohus carefully planned the layers of glass in Stratofera on paper before creating it, using his knowledge of geometry and the prismatic qualities of glass. Technical aspects of materials and processes are discussed.

Rebecca Elliot is assistant curator of Craft, Design & Fashion, Mint Musem of Art; Hideo Mabuchi, PhD is professor of Physics at Stanford University, studio potter and weaver ; Zoe Laughlin, PhD, is co-founder and director of the Institute of Making at University College London. Joel Smeltzer is head of School and Gallery Programs, The Mint Museum. Annie Carlano is senior curator of Craft, Design & Fashion, The Mint Museum.