Thursday, November 26, 2009

Thoughts on Chloe's Dissertation

Art & craft are not so different. There are many more commonalities between them than there are differences between the two. The contexts in which "art" and "craft" are presented are really what distinguish them, rather than the content or purpose of the works themselves. Variables in presentation affect how pieces are perceived by different audiences.

I think many people have negative associations with the term "craft," like simple children's projects that involve dry macaroni and construction paper. (I am not assigning value but referencing a commonly held perception.) The term "art" is held up at nearly inaccessible lengths by many, as if to express the thought, "I could never do that!" This sentiment simply agrees with the elevated presentation of anything on a pedestal, ("It must be of a higher value,") as opposed to seeing all things as possible, ("You could do that!") and understanding all living beings to be inherently creative. (Like procreation!)

Practicing traditional crafts together is a way of creating community; preserving traditions; connecting to our surroundings; slowing down this rushed pace of life; being frugal, self-sufficient, and even revolutionary; having fun, and literally building the worlds in which we want to live.

1 comment:

  1. These commonly held beliefs you speak of in the second paragraph, and your culmination about the fullness of human potential in the third paragraph.... these notions and specifically the way in which you present and analyze them, brings joy to my heart. I understand the paradox of it, the oxymoronic irony of it all too well.

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