Objects: USA

Since the end of World War II, many artists have turned to crafts as a reaction to the conformity, the built-in obsolescence, and the anonymity of mass-produced objects. They are creating objects to satisfy none but their own standards of technique and aesthetics, following a desire shared by many people for one-of-a-kind objects that truly represent an extension of individual personality. Some of these artist-craftsmen make functional pieces, such as vases and bowls; others create objects meant to satisfy solely on an aesthetic level. Yet, though their materials and the techniques they were made by vary, common to all the objects is their individual creation from start to finish by the artist. This new crafts movement is rapidly spreading throughout the United States, and the handcrafted object has been elevated to a new status.OBJECTS:USA is a comprehensive survey of this movement, and it illustrates a cross section of over 300 examples from the various crafts media: plastics; enamels; mosaics; wood; blown and stained glass; metal; jewelry; and hooked, woven, knitted, and sculptured fibers. With his selection of examples created by more than 250 of the most talented artist-craftsmen living in the United States, Lee Nordness gives a valuable general history of American crafts. Because each object is so closely associated with the artist himself, the author also includes photographs of each craftsman represented in the book, with a brief biography and description of the significance of his work. In addition, many of the artists have contributed statements on their aims and methods of working.