heritage, cultural
identity and artistic inheritance. Their makers, in
turn, take on the role of keeping this heritage alive.
When this knowledge is threatened — by catastrophic
events such as Hurricane Katrina, or by the constant
whirl of modern life with its technological demands
and distractions — it is the individual craftsperson
who remains the anchor, the link and the keeper.
Contemporary craftspeople are intensely curious,
hardworking and passionate. When asked what
drew them to craft, their responses are simple—nothing
could be more important. Their works speak about the
external state of the world or the internal condition
of the human being. They are inspired by sources as
wide-ranging as the natural environment, race relations
and popular culture. All are affected by life experiences,
social history, travel, education, and have a deep familiarity
with the history of art, architecture and craft. Their
creative work is driven by a need for expression and
a search for connectedness and meaning. They share a
reverence for making a difference in the world. Some
find a connection with farmers and people living close
to the land, others with poets, performers, economists
and scientists. In most cases these contemporary artists
work in solitude. Although they may occasionally accept
assistance or embark on a collaboration, the primary
creative impulse—the development of ideas—is
seen as the individual artist’s role.
|
