ART TWO Crafts


2013

CRAFTS INTRO – READ FIRST

Crafts: functional objects of beauty.

The area of Craft is enormous. Objects made by hand have a long, rich and embedded history in every single culture around the world. Although functional objects had more humble beginnings in every day life, it did not take long before these objects of life became entwined with cultural celebrations, belief systems and, symbolic communications of the people who created them.

The story of craft is older than recorded history. Remains of utilitarian objects are often used to study the daily habits of ancient civilizations. Anthropologists study objects of cultures in an effort to better understand what kind of life they lived. Embedded in these objects are powerful symbols and cherished rituals of the culture who created and used them. These objects can be studied for artistic process, technology of the time period, natural materials of the area, tools used and so much more. Craft is born of necessity and refined by life and all that is held dear. If you want to understand a culture, study it's art, examine it's craft.

It is interesting to note that:
Prehistoric mosaics of shells and stones have been found in caves with mud floors.
Baskets in North America that are 8000 years old have been found.
Our ancient ancestors may have learned how to weave containers by observing birds nests.
Clay was pressed into baskets to stop small seeds and liquids from falling through.
Clay lined baskets became hard and waterproof after being thrown into communal fires.
Beads were used all over the world as a form of currency, a symbol of wealth and, as a savings account.
Evidence of woven fabric has been dated at 27000 years ago.
Special rare dyes such as blue and violet were guarded secrets and saved for royalty.
Craft and merchant guilds highly developed the apprenticeship system during medieval times.
Medieval guilds established the apprenticeship, journeyman and, master levels of craft.
Craft and merchant guilds funded the first non-religious schools.
Guilds were responsible for upholding a high level of craftsmanship and protected skills and processes.
To Become a member of Craft Guilds in the Middle Ages a man would have to work through three phases:
    1. Apprentice - A Craft Guild Apprentice was sent to work for a 'Master' during his early teens. The Craft Guild Apprenticeship lasted between 5 and 9 years depending on the trade. During this time the apprentice received no wages - just his board, lodging and training. An Apprentice was not allowed to marry until he reached the status of a Journeyman
    2. Journeyman - A Craft Guild Journeyman was paid for his labour. During this time the Journeyman would create his 'Masterpiece', in his own time, which he would present to the Craft Guild as evidence of his craftsmanship in the hope of being accepted as a Craft Guild 'Master'. It was difficult to reach the status of 'Master' and much depended on the Journeyman's standing and acceptance by the top members of the Craft Guild
    3. Master - A Craft Guild Master could set up his own workshop and then train his own apprentices.

READ SECOND …..........DO THE ASSIGNMENTS

“CRAFTS IN AMERICA” Connecting Concepts

All crafts originated from need – the need for an object to perform a specific function. The FORM of a functional object is dictated by it's intended FUNCTION. “Form follows function.”

All over the world in every culture people create functional objects. Crude beginnings developed into magnificent creativity, cherished traditions, secret rituals and a rich social fabric. The role Crafts have played in the development of the human race has an undeniable footprint.

All crafts share common threads or, “Big Ideas” These connections bond us together as humans and cultures. Although the “Craft In America” series focuses on the heritage of Craft in this country, international connections are undeniable.

ASSIGNMENTS:
Go to this page on “Craft In America” - read each of the following TV Series category descriptions. These subtitles contain “Common Threads” or “Big Ideas” that make up the world of Craft.

  • Family
  • Threads
  • Crossroads
  • Messages
  • Process
  • Origins
  • Community
  • Landscape
  • Memory
  1. Go to this location and explore ONE of these pages every week – read text / follow links http://www.craftinamerica.org/tvseries/story_436.php
  2. Go to this location and watch at least ONE video here every week.
  3. Go through the companion book “Craft In America” once per week. Read for at least 15 min.
ASSIGNMENT:
Fill out the “Craft In America” series response sheet every two weeks and pass it in. Circle the correct date when you pass it in.



OTHER INERNATIONAL CONNECTIONS:
READ THIRD
CRAFTS ORDER OF STUDY

This portion of Art Two can be described as a “teacher guided independent study.”
Your progress will depend HEAVILY on your own academic discipline.
Every student will be given specific requirements but each individual will move independently.

The craft requirements are designed to:
  • introduce specific craft processes
  • expand knowledge of craft concepts such as history and traditions in general
  • encourage individual exploration of crafts as personal self expression
  • require thoughtful execution of craft that includes self study and attention to detail
  • improve the practice of planning, quality and, craftsmanship

REQUIREMENTS:
EVERY assignment is required.
The order of each assignment is important so do not skip ahead.
The final exam will require you to be able to answer questions in an educated way so.......
better to do the study NOW rather than try to get the big ideas later.

PRELIMINARY DISCOVERY
  1. Explore the pinterest online FINE CRAFTS bulletin board. Some links will be required as you move along and new items will be added all the time.
  2. Explore the links on the class blog for crafts. Follow at least 2 links. Items are added all the time. Scroll down – right hand side of the blog, about half way down.
  3. Explore Crafts books on the class room book cart.
  4. Find the Art section IN THE LIBRARY and explore the Crafts books. If you feel the need to add any book to our class cart please have the library ADD IT TO MY BOOK LIST. You can also do a simple search to see what is available. Don't overlook books that look OLD!!!
  5. Ask for “CRAFTS INTRODUCTION” PP printed out slides. READ through them in order.
  6. AFTER DOING 1-5, fill out the “PRELIMINARY CRAFTS STUDY SHEET” and pass it in
PRODUCTION ORDER
REQUIRED AS A CLASS:
These will all have separate, individual handouts, demonstrations and requirements rubrics.
  1. altered object
  2. fused glass
  3. small mosaic
    ***** Students who choose to move on to another craft area after completion of the 3 required will be doing SELF STUDY. This will include vocabulary, basic techniques and processes. If you are not willing to do the study you will not be working in other craft areas.

ALSO REQUIRED
  1. Fill out the CIA response sheet every other week. (MIN. Four per quarter)
    TV Episodes Page - “Connecting Ideas” http://www.craftinamerica.org/tvseries/story_436.php
  2. Student generated Craft vocabulary and definition list. Passed in end of Q3 and Q4. Minimum of 15 words, TYPED – if I can't read them they do not count. START NOW



     PRELIMINARY CRAFTS STUDY SHEET

     NAME_____________________

    I AM NOT GIVING YOU 20PTS. EA. FOR HALF HEARTED, 
    THOUGHTLESS ANSWERS.
1. Explain a little bit about what you thought “Crafts” were prior to going through the required reading and starting tasks.

  2. Discuss at least two things that you have discovered while doing the required reading and and starting tasks that were surprising or that you had not considered.

  3. List three NEWLY DISCOVERED, Craft related vocabulary words with definitions.

  4. Describe two new areas of Craft that you did not realize were considered a craft at all.

  5. Your overall impression of Crafts so far ILLUSTRATED in SIX WORDS. Be creative....



 
PBS “CRAFT IN AMERICA” DOCUMENTARY SERIES RESPONSE SHEET

 Name:_____________________

Response Sheet: 25 pts. each

circle the correct date
DATE:FRIDAY'S           3/1      3/15     3/29      4/5      4/26      5/10      5/24        5/7


The PBS - “CRAFT IN AMERICA” documentary series will be used to augment learning and enrich your understanding of what Crafts are. You will be using the extensive on-line web site, video clips and companion book to complete this sheet 4 times per quarter.

1. LIST no less than 4 new things that you explored from “CIA”






2. EXPLAIN one interesting thing that you learned while exploring CIA. I will not give you 25 points for anything less than 4 complete senences.







3. EXPLAIN something that you might be able to integrate into your own work, process, technique or imagery.






4. DESCRIBE one thing that totally surprised you....something you never ever even dreamed was possible or a connection that you never thought of.






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