Popular Woodworking 2003-11 № 137, страница 10
Out on a Limb Congratulations! You're an Artist In case you don't follow the New York museum world, the American Craft Museum recently changed its name to the Museum of Arts and Design (MAD). And that's how I felt (MAD) when I read about it. i always thought art was art and craft was craft and there was a real distinction. I was perfectly willing to accept my work as craft, even defend it, leaving art to reach for, if not always attain, a higher plane. But the people who now run MAD have concluded that art has evolved and the distinction between art and craft has blurred. They may be right, and I'll leave the academic and semantic debate to those who know more about the subject than me. But I think there may be other things at work in the name change. I wonder if in today's world "craft" has come to mean something a little too shabby, a little too "crafty" for the people operating the museum. Do they believe a museum dedicated to art and design (even though the museum collections and exhibits won't change) will sell more tickets? Unfortunately, they probably will. Not that it's all their fault, but as an institution supporting craft, they failed to defend "craft" as something worthwhile. Some in our woodworking community have contributed to the demise of the term craft, feeling the need to label their work as "art" or "studio" furniture. At the very least, the new label has probably helped some command a higher price for their work. Interestingly, Sam Maloof, an American icon of finely crafted furniture, has openly rejected the title "artist" or "art furniture" to describe his work. When referred to as an "artist," Maloof respectfully expresses his preference for the moniker "woodworker," a modest title he wears with pride. (Maloof was a long-time associate of the museum and expressed dismay at the name change.) Reading about the name change made me sad and mad because it's another nail in the coffin of the respectability of craft. Instead of getting angry, perhaps we woodworkers also should "evolve" and adopt the title of artist. Some real good could come of it. Strangers who learn that we are artists might wander up to us at parties or backyard barbecues and ask our thoughts on important, esoteric subjects. Members of the opposite sex might look at us in a whole new way. It could be great. But what I haven't figured out yet is how wearing black clothes all the time will ever work in a dusty shop. PW Steve Shanesy Editor & Publisher Come Visit our Booth at the WoodWorks 2003 Shows this Fall and Winter We're packing our tools and heading to the WoodWorks shows. The first event starts Oct. 10 in Indianapolis. Come by our booth, check out some great deals on woodworking books and then sign up to win a great prize! What makes WoodWorks events special (in addition to the great deals on tools) are the free demonstrations by the country's top woodworkers (such as Frank Klausz, left). Also, many exhibitors actively demonstrate the newest products right in their booth. You can't help but learn a lot and have a good time. Be sure and bring a buddy.Visit woodworks2003.com for a complete rundown on the shows, dates and free demonstrations. See you there! Popular Woodworking November 2003 8 CONTRIBUTORS PAULANTHONY A woodworker for almost 30 years, Paul Anthony got his start making router-carved wall mirrors and planter boxes on a show circuit in San Diego. The Pennsylvanian is now working on a "hybrid traditional bench" for his 700-square-foot shop because he not only works there, but he teaches classes as well. He is putting an end vise with the wooden jaw extending completely across one end of the "heavy mother" of a bench, and converting a face vise for the other end. For his students, though, he has another project lined up. "One of the first things that I always have my students make is a crosscut sled, because the stock miter gauge that comes with most table saws just doesn't do it." Check out Anthony's advice about what every table-saw owner must do to keep the machine in tip-top shape in "Table Saw Tune-up" on page 57. LONNIE BIRD Lonnie Bird, who specializes in period furniture, has been woodworking for about 30 years. His first piece of furniture (a junior high school shop project) was a little . ___ stool built out of solid white pine with splayed legs. Today, he's building a reproduction 1810 turned-post bunk bed (yes, bunk beds existed back then) for his daughters. He's also building each of them a chest of drawers. When asked how large his shop is, he says "To be quite honest, I just don't know." [Editor's note: It's huge.] When building projects, his favorite tool to work with is his Lie-Nielsen No. 41/2 bench plane with a York pitch (50°). "The Essential Shoulder Plane" begins on page 70. Our Privacy Promise to You We make portions of our customer list available to carefully screened companies that offer products and services we believe you may enjoy. If you do not want to receive offers and/or information, please let us know by contacting us at: List Manager, F & W Publications, 4700 E. Galbraith Road, Cincinnati, OH 45236 |
