Artisans and Their Crafts at Western Illinois Museum

Upcoming Exhibitions


Sign of the Times
May 13 - August 20, 2013

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Artisans and Their Crafts

June - August 8, 2008


To create is often an elusive process.  Making “things” is often the non-verbal expression of ideas, emotions, and practical needs.  This exhibit explores the role influence has in that process of creating.  The creative process often begins with a teacher or mentor who hands down techniques, exchanges ideas and acts as a sounding board.  This relationship is at the heart of not only developing skills and talents, but also the perpetuation over generations of a craft.

 

West Central Illinois has a wealth of generous artisans practicing and teaching a wide range of crafts. The exhibit celebrates those who influence.  An artisan relies on influence in the form of a teacher but also from a collective practice and even in the exchange of cultures.  In the “stew of the creative process,” each of these influences are melded together to create the unique and compelling work.

 

You will find in this exhibit the stories of nine artisans or artisan groups influencing others in one of five distinct ways.

 

Convergence: When two or more creative processes collide resulting in new method or practice in a craft.

Continuation: When an artisan continue working in an establish craft and passes it on through the example of their work or directly teaching others.

 

Exchange: When an artisan works collectively or in a community passes the distinct tradition of a craft through a communal practice or sharing of ideas.

 

Interpretation: When an artisan translates the work of a historic artisan and brings the methods and technique to a contemporary craft practice often for reviving a lost practice.

 

Investigation: When an artisan seeks ways to expand the practice of a craft and looks to new sources outside the normal sphere of influence.