By Hand: The Use of Craft in Contemporary Art

by Joseph Magliaro (Editor), Shu Hung (Editor)

In a response to the sleek forms and perfect angles of most late twentieth century design objects, many of today's artists and designers are returning to handmade work such as hand lettering, hand drawing, and hand sewing. By Hand features an international collection of the most noteworthy artists and shows their work in detailed photography and insightful texts. From books to pillows to T-shirts to toys, the pieces in this volume define an alternative view of contemporary design. Personal craft is emphasized over perfection and the personality of the artist is put forth as a key element of the finished product. From Kiki Smith's lovingly etched birds to Barb Hunt's knitted land mines to dynamo-ville's one-of-a-kind puppets to Evil Twin's hand-stitched publications, today's art revels in the care and consideration of craft.

Genres: Art, Crafts, Nonfiction

175 pages, Hardcover

First published September 28, 2006

Reviews

[Penelope · Rating 3 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book, but there was a lot of repetition. I noticed many common themes (threads=fragility was a common metaphor), which isn't necessarily a bad thing but it left me wondering why other forms of craft weren't included--forms that might have other things to "say". There is a lot of emphasis on fiber arts, knitting, and embroidery, with other crafts strewn throughout. I thought Kirsten Hassenfeld's work was some of the most amazing non-fiber art in this book--she creates intricate sculptures of metal and stained glass, and they're so whimsical; geometric and yet beautifully organic.

I was a bit disappointed by the lack of resources at the end of this book (specifically, artist websites). There is a "Contact Information" section, but many of the URLs are no longer working, or the domain has changed hands (fairly certain that the current "Evil Twin Publications" website is not the same as the duo featured in this book). Of course, there's nothing that the book editors can do about that--it's the nature of the internet. I was surprised by the number of artists who did not have their own websites, but instead just included the info for the gallery that represents them.

A few artists whose work I really liked, and who have functioning websites:
Brendan Monroe
Aya Kakeda
Karen Reimer

[Jennifer · Rating 4 out of 5]

I found this book just fascinating. The hand knit gravestone cozy keeps sticking in my head and making me think. (Does it comfort the dead - the actual stone or the morners?) I love it when hand crafts become "art" (they always were - but I think it is hard to look down at the 40th hat I knit and think "Oooh - look at my art!") Seeing pictures of people who take their craft out of the box and push it - I find that very exciting.

[Lindsay Joy · Rating 4 out of 5]

I had skimmed this book a few years ago, and thought i'd seen all the main artists that usually end up in these books (Dave Cole, Andrea Deszo, Yinka Shonibare), but I guess I didn't see some of these works at the right time, because this time I was fascinated by a lot of stuff I hadn't seen before, and haven't seen in other books. My absolute favourite work is a latch hook rug of a screen shot from The Price is Right by Robert Conger, and hand quilted works by Anna Von Mertens. Worth a look for inspiration!

[Lauren Gerfen · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is GREAT! Their is a wide variety of arts covered from staples in the contemporary art world to people I had never heard of. It is also interesting to read the artist first hand perception of their work and place in the fiber community, art community or both.

[LemontreeLime · Rating 3 out of 5]

Holy cats! what amazing things people will do! this is a book about fiber arts that pushes the envelope! if you wanted to do something completely different with your needlework, and need inspiration, take a look at this, it might be the ticket you were looking for.

[Jenny Forrest · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a really interesting art book - inspiring and thoughtful. Images of soft sculpture, sewn landscapes, collage and hand-screen printed art.

[Cdarvind87]

hi

[Teresa · Rating 4 out of 5]

great inspiration w/incredible pictures of artworks