Makers: A History of American Studio Craft

by Janet Koplos, Bruce Metcalf

Here is the first comprehensive survey of modern craft in the United States. Makers follows the development of studio craft--objects in fiber, clay, glass, wood, and metal--from its roots in nineteenth-century reform movements to the rich diversity of expression at the end of the twentieth century.

More than four hundred illustrations complement this chronological exploration of the American craft tradition. Keeping as their main focus the objects and the makers, Janet Koplos and Bruce Metcalf offer a detailed analysis of seminal works and discussions of education, institutional support, and the philosophical underpinnings of craft. In a vivid and accessible narrative, they highlight the value of physical skill, examine craft as a force for moral reform, and consider the role of craft as an aesthetic alternative.

Exploring craft's relationship to fine arts and design, Koplos and Metcalf foster a critical understanding of the field and help explain craft's place in contemporary culture. Makers will be an indispensable volume for craftspeople, curators, collectors, critics, historians, students, and anyone who is interested in American craft.

Genres: Nonfiction

544 pages, Hardcover

First published July 1, 2010

Reviews

[Cassidy · Rating 4 out of 5]

the rumors are true (i finished my textbook)

it’s hard to write a survey and that feels clearer to me every time i read one. this was a good overview and a good starting point for deeper learning. while not always written in a way that captured me i learned a lot and generally left feeling inspired and excited which is more than you can say about a lot of textbooks. also some sentences in here were so genuinely funny (i think unintentionally) that i laughed aloud. craftspeople are weird.

[Gail Richmond · Rating 5 out of 5]

An encyclopedic book that covers studio craft, that is wood furniture and artwork, ceramics, glass, fiber and textiles, jewelry and metal craft, and all from their beginnings through the 20th century. An impressive collection of the creators, their designs, and the societal forces that shaped each movement. Heavily and well illustrated to the point that it is a rare page without a photo or drawing. Excellent and impressive coverage of the history of craft in the US.

[Kelly · Rating 3 out of 5]

some good information, but covering so many people that it doesn't go very deep into any one of them. Organized by decade, so sometimes a person's career is split between chapters... and very fact based... it could stand to spell out some trends or movements.