winterfair again
Kathi LeSueur
It's always interesting to me how discussions on a topic evolve. We started
with a comment on the Ohio Designer Winterfair show and are now into a
discussion of shows with all kinds of things that not anyone here (well maybe
someone) would consider acceptable in a show.
My discussion centers around what I consider to be legitimate shows whose
focus is art and craft. Not folk art. Not country. Not all of the things
that some have mentioned here. I've never seen those things at shows I
attend. However, that said, I still believe one of the problems with shows
today is the mix of work exhibited.
Some may want work that is cutting edge. Work that excites them, knocks their
socks off. They want to be blown away by what they see. I think shows should
have that work. But not everyone wants to be blown away. Not everyone is
looking for something that makes them stop in their tracks, stunned by what
they see. I personally favor things that speak to me softly. Things that
provide pleasure over a long period of time. Too often things that stop me in
my tracks have no staying power. They are like a cartoon in the paper that
causes me to laugh. Funny at the moment but then forgotten. While the
humorous essay speaks softer but gets reread over and over. I think shows
should have something for me too.
Others want a bowl that is elegant in its simplicity. Or a mug that they
enjoy using everyday. Something well designed, well crafted, and fit for its
intended use.
This is not a quality issue. Each approach can and does contain quality work.
Each should be included in shows.
Kathi