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Art

A beautiful life

Functional items take on new panache when crafted by artists.

By LENNIE BENNETT
Published December 1, 2005

	[Images from the American Craft Council]
	Stephan J. Cox, Orange Mock Vessel, blown glass.
	Sana Doumet, peridot necklace.

Have a seat. Cut a rug. Raise a glass.

Those turns of phrase, glib and cliched as they are, describe the essential nature of fine craft: art that has a function. These days, the chairs, rugs and glasses may actually be more beautiful and artistic than functional but there is always that utilitarian connection in their conception.

You can see the full range of craft expression this weekend when the big annual show sponsored by the American Craft Council opens in Sarasota with fine craftsmen from across the country displaying their wares.

Among local artists are Sana Doumet, whose jewelry designs won the Award of Excellence at the recent CraftArt show in St. Petersburg; ceramicists Kostas and Antanas Ulevicius and Geoff Walsh; and woodworker Parker Converse. Returning Award of Achievement winners from past years are fiber artist Akiko Sugiyama and Michael D. Mode, who works in turned wood. Sadly, the popular ceramicist Roddy Brownlee Reed, known for his exquisite little pinch pots, recently died.

Reed McMillan, the council's Director of Shows, organizes events in five other cities during the year. He says that for him, the defining element of craft versus art is the materials used.

"In craft," he says, "you get your hands dirty working with natural materials. You won't find any painting or photography here."

But, he says, "The Craft Council doesn't set standards. We strive for artistic integrity based on design and materials. There are things you might argue about. We're seeing fiber artists weaving with wire and rocks, for example. The old boundaries and rules don't apply."

In other words, some of the pots are better resting on a plinth than stewing coq au vin. (McMillen suggests Pottery Barn if you're looking for the latter.) And to describe gorgeous jewelry or playful puzzles as primarily "utilitarian" stretches the definition.

Why quibble? In the end, it's the tomato-tomahto argument.

And to prove it, the council has added something new to the show, hands-on guided tours that take the craft off the shelf and into your daily life. "Creative Uses of Contemporary Craft" will be led by interior designer Janice Robinson at 1 p.m. Friday. "The Latest in Fashion Wearables and Jewelry" will be led by boutique owner Joan McKeon at 2 p.m. Saturday. Both are free with admission.

- Lennie Bennett can be reached at 727 893-8293 or lennie@sptimes.com

American Craft Council Show is at the Sarasota Bradenton International Convention Center, 8005 15th St. E, Sarasota, Friday through Sunday. Hours are 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Friday and Saturday and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday. Admission is $10 or $18 for a two-day pass. Children 12 and younger are free. Call toll-free 1-800-836-3470. For information, including a preview of exhibiting artists' work, go to www.craftcouncil.org

[Last modified November 30, 2005, 11:29:06]