Home |
Search |
Today's Posts |
|
Woodturning (rec.crafts.woodturning) To discuss tools, techniques, styles, materials, shows and competitions, education and educational materials related to woodturning. All skill levels are welcome, from art turners to production turners, beginners to masters. |
Reply |
|
LinkBack | Thread Tools | Display Modes |
#1
Posted to rec.crafts.woodturning
|
|||
|
|||
What are our turnings worth to us and to the art//craft.
As we approach a new decade of turning wood our evaluation of and the public's view of our products may have changed immeasurably. I'm not sure. Once we turned round objects for using or for enjoying and discussed art vs craft and innovation vs plagairy 'ad ifinitum'. One subject that arose again and again was how to fairly price our turnings for ourselves, for our professionals and for the good of the hobby or business, whether it is art or craft. One argument centered around the question of hobby turning with no time or overhead constraints that could demean woodturning or undercut our fellow professionals with give away prices. We also had different opinions about woodturning always being a craft or trade. We were concerned about the possibility that crappy work grossly over priced showed woodturning as a false and presumptive craft or a ridicuous art form. Any opinions for twenty ten? Turn to Safety, Arch Fortiter http://community.webtv.net/almcc/MacsMusings |
#2
Posted to rec.crafts.woodturning
|
|||
|
|||
What are our turnings worth to us and to the art//craft.
On Mon, 28 Dec 2009 12:57:49 -0600, Arch wrote
(in message ): As we approach a new decade of turning wood our evaluation of and the public's view of our products may have changed immeasurably. I'm not sure. Once we turned round objects for using or for enjoying and discussed art vs craft and innovation vs plagairy 'ad ifinitum'. One subject that arose again and again was how to fairly price our turnings for ourselves, for our professionals and for the good of the hobby or business, whether it is art or craft. One argument centered around the question of hobby turning with no time or overhead constraints that could demean woodturning or undercut our fellow professionals with give away prices. We also had different opinions about woodturning always being a craft or trade. We were concerned about the possibility that crappy work grossly over priced showed woodturning as a false and presumptive craft or a ridicuous art form. Any opinions for twenty ten? Turn to Safety, Arch Fortiter http://community.webtv.net/almcc/MacsMusings I'm a hobby-level turner. Been one for thirty-five years. I've seen some of the crappy work you refer to, and I have seen some wonderful stuff. I don't sell what I make - I give it to friends and relatives. I donated a modest piece for a silent auction fund-raiser, no reserve price, and saw it go for 20 bucks. The outcome in that kind of venue depends a lot on the clientele, I think. If I presume to put my stuff where the public can see it and evaluate it, I do the best work I know how to do, with no thought to a reasonable financial return for my time and skill (such as it is). As the general public sees more and more turning, I assume the public will also see more and more high quality turning, and learn to recognize the difference between the two. As in any other medium, there will be dialogue concerning the separation between art and craft, and recognition of skill and quality over cheap mass produced goods. I personally regard my own work as craft. If those who get my stuff choose to call it art, they are entitled to their own opinions. I have seen some efforts of other people (in various media) called art which should have been more properly called recyleable. That opinion of course is mine. Well done turning will be known by the company it keeps. Go to a gallery or a commercial venue which sells good goods, and look around. Go to a place that sells mass-produced goods and "genuine Indian pottery" made in China, and look around. The turned articles in each of these different outlets will vary in quality (and price) according to the nature of the rest of the goods in thse places. It is my belief that the hobbyist who can produce goods with the skill and quality of the full-time professional turner will not have the motivation or ability to produce the same volume of output as the professional. Further, the marketplace where quality goods are sold will weed out substandard goods as a matter of self-preservation of its (the marketplace's) own reputation. In art, what too often seems to happen is that the artist while living is under remunerated for his or her efforts, and the works produced are not properly appreciated until after the death of the artist. A thing may be produced and sold for its utility. A thing may be produced for art, and might get sold. Each article has its market. Utility is advertised, art is promoted. Superiority is not a term with inherent absolute meaning. No comparison can be made between art and craft with a claim of superiority of one over the other. I turn because it is pleasurable... and some people appreciate and like what I do. Others here earn a living with their turning, possibly not concerned whether their work be art or craft. Some produce art and express themselves or convey some kind of meaning to others - and possibly make some money. Others will decide in the end which is art and which is craft - and what is neither art or craft. All of what I have just said is of course my opinion, and it may or may not resonate with others. I don't know what is art, but I know what I like. tom koehler -- I will find a way or make one. |
#3
Posted to rec.crafts.woodturning
|
|||
|
|||
What are our turnings worth to us and to the art//craft.
On Mon, 28 Dec 2009 18:44:06 -0600, tom koehler wrote
(in message . net): On Mon, 28 Dec 2009 12:57:49 -0600, Arch wrote (in message ): As we approach a new decade of turning wood our evaluation of and the public's view of our products may have changed immeasurably. I'm not sure. Any opinions for twenty ten? Turn to Safety, Arch Fortiter http://community.webtv.net/almcc/MacsMusings I'm a hobby-level turner. Been one for thirty-five years. snip a lot All of what I have just said is of course my opinion, and it may or may not resonate with others. I don't know what is art, but I know what I like. tom koehler I was not trying to sound pompous, or bloviating, just trying to express my own opinions on the issue. I hope I did not get anyone ticked off, I was not trying to do that. If I did tighten anyone's jaws, I earnestly apologize. Mr. Fortiter asked a great question, and I am surprised there have not been more responses to it. tom koehler -- I will find a way or make one. |
#4
|
|||
|
|||
Quote:
From a websites definition, art is more on concept and craft is focused on tangible products. Art is an expression that of what's inside the artist. It is more on paintings and drawings. Crafts on the other hand are those that we can feel and touch such as wood work. As for me, woodturning is both an art and a craft for me as it comprises concept and tangibility. I believe that one cannot create a craft without a concept. If an artist merely creates a tangible product without being the original concept maker, that is the only time it will be considered a craft. - yve Last edited by yve lynch : December 27th 12 at 12:40 AM |
Reply |
Thread Tools | Search this Thread |
Display Modes | |
|
|
Similar Threads | ||||
Thread | Forum | |||
Four Plumwood Turnings - In a.b.p.w. | Woodturning | |||
From rec.crafts.woodturning: Dusty's turnings - dusty's turnings.jpg | Woodworking Plans and Photos | |||
sanding your turnings | Woodturning | |||
my first turnings. | Woodturning | |||
Musing about worth of turnings | Woodturning |