Inspired LA: Screening & Artist Talk
Mark Taper Auditorium, Los Angeles Central Library
November 6, 2pm
Craft in America is the Peabody Award-winning series exploring America’s creative spirit through the language and traditions of the handmade. Join us for a special screening of INSPIRATION, one of two new episodes streaming starting November 1 and premiering on PBS December 16 at 9pm (check local listings).
INSPIRATION reveals the magic and influence of craft. Featuring: Simon Rodia and Watts Towers; three generations of the Saar family: Alison Saar, Betye Saar, and Maddy Leeser; Hmong artists Suzanne Thao, Tousue Vang, Chef Yia Vang, and Mandora Young; textile artist Mary Little; weaver Diedrick Brackens; and potter Ayumi Horie.
Following the screening Los Angeles-based artists Alison Saar, Maddy Leeser, Diedrick Brackens, and Mary Little will engage in conversation and answer questions.
Please RSVP: eventbrite.com/e/inspired-la-screening-artist-talk-tickets-440008405987
Tom Killion & Journey to Hokusai screening Dec 5, 7pm
Please join us for a screening of the film Journey to Hokusai with filmmaker ChikaraMotomura and woodcut print artist Tom Killion, featured in the PROCESS episode. Chikara and Killion will discuss working together on this project and prints by Killion will be available at Freehand.
Doors open 6:30pm, screening at 7pm
Please RSVP: rsvp@craftinamerica.org.
Journey to Hokusai is a feature-length documentary that intimately follows an artist’s creative process and discovery of the origins of his art. Tom Killion, a woodblock print artist, identifies the 19th century Japanese artist Hokusai as his inspirational master. When Tom makes his California landscape prints, his most important artistic references are Hokusai’s landscape prints. Tom sketches a real landscape just like Hokusai did 200 years ago. He carves woodblocks using Japanese hand tools. But when it comes to printing, Tom uses a German printing press and oil-based ink unlike the traditional method of printing by hand with watercolor ink.
The film follows Killion’s painstaking creative process and his pilgrimage to Japan to study under Kenji Takenaka, a fifth-generation master printer in Kyoto. As he learns new techniques and trades in his oil-based ink for traditional watercolor, Killion discovers more and more about the history of printmaking. His odyssey takes him to a papermaker that is still in business after 1500 years and to the quiet village of Obuse, where Hokusai spent his final years. “Journey to Hokusai” is an intimate exploration of the connection between two artists from different worlds.
About Tom Killion (tomkillion.com): Tom was born and raised in Mill Valley, California, on the slopes of Mt. Tamalpais. The rugged scenery of Marin County and Northern California inspired him from an early age to create landscape prints using linoleum and wood, strongly influenced by the traditional Japanese Ukiyo-ë style of Hokusai and Hiroshige. He studied History at UC Santa Cruz, where he was introduced to fine book printing by William Everson and Jack Stauffacher. In 1975, he produced his first illustrated book on UCSC’s Cowell Press.
In 1977 Tom founded his Quail Press in Santa Cruz, where he published a number of hand made illustrated books including his large folio volume on “The Coast of California” (1979) and a travel book that incorporated his years of work in Africa: “Walls: A Journey Across Three Continents” (1990). In 2000, Tom published a large-format book, “The High Sierra of California” in collaboration with Pulitzer prize-winning poet Gary Snyder. The two collaborated on two more books published by Heyday Press: “Tamalpais Walking” (2009) and their award-winning “California’s Wild Edge: The Coast in Poetry, Prints and History” (2015).
Tom is also a scholar in African history with a Ph.D. from Stanford University.
About Kenji Takenaka (takezasado.com): Kenji is a fifth generation woodblock printing master in Kyoto, Japan. He studied under his father, Seihachi, a fourth generation master printer at Takenaka Mokuhan which was established in 1891. Takenaka Mokuhan is a long-established and masterful woodblock printing business in Kyoto. They have inherited their techniques with a history of 1,200 years in Kyoto, and have evolved into their current company called Takezasado. Since 1891, Takenaka Mokuhan had been passing on their traditional printing techniques for over 100 years — from master to master. The fifth master, Kenji Takenaka, established Takezasado with the purpose of “inheriting these ancient printing techniques to pass them to the future generations, and not only by preserving those techniques, but also by thinking about how they can evolve.” He creates new works by applying his masterful techniques, and continues to search for new possibilities in contemporary woodblock printing. The original design and colors of Takezasado have been recognized as modern art, and have been widely acclaimed.
About the Filmmaker, Chikara Motomura (chikaramotomura.com): A Japanese native, Chikara has spent nearly 35 years in New York, Hawaii, and in the San Francisco Bay area as a freelance Director, Cinematographer, and Editor for various Japanese television networks, including NHK, Japan’s public television. Chikara also was a principal collaborator on 14 independent films with Rob Nilsson, a Berkeley-based Sundance/Cannes award-winning filmmaker.
Since 2011, Chikara has partnered with Paul Zehrer for PotentialSF — working as Co-Producer, Cinematographer, and Co-Editor on numerous award-winning films including “Why Waldorf?”, “Preparing for Life”, and “Being Seen”. Recently Chikara was a Co-Cinematographer for “The Test and The Art of Thinking,” a documentary feature about the SAT exam.
Screening: CALIFORNIA episode at MEMORIAL BRANCH LIBRARY Dec 1, 1pm
CRAFT IN AMERICA: CALIFORNIA screening of the Arts and Crafts segment featuring The Gamble House, stained glass artists at Judson Studios and cabinetmakers James and Jack Ipekjian
Saturday, December 1, 2018
1pm
Memorial Branch Library (rsvp requested: mmrial@lapl.org)
4625 W. Olympic Boulevard, LA, CA 90019
David Judson of Judson Studios will speak about the historic stained glass window at the Memorial Branch Library, which commemorates twenty alumni from Los Angeles High School who died in World War I.
Screening: CALIFORNIA episode at THE HUNTINGTON LIBRARY Nov 1, 7:30pm
CRAFT IN AMERICA: CALIFORNIA
Thursday, November 1, 2018
7:30–9:30pm
The Huntington, Rothenberg Hall – www.brownpapertickets.com/event/3626393 (free event, rsvp required)
Panel discussion to follow with Carol Sauvion, Ted Bosley, Kelly Sutherlin McLeod, and Margo Winslow
CALIFORNIA explores the diverse craft heritage, traditions, influences and innovations in the Golden State. Featuring Pomo basket weaver Corine Pearce, silversmith Randy Stromsoe, the Arts and Crafts architecture of Greene & Greene, stained glass artists at Judson Studios, cabinet makers James Ipekjian and Jack Ipekjian, and textile artist Deborah Cross.
Screening: VISIONARIES episode at the Getty Research Institute Oct 20, 2pm
CRAFT IN AMERICA: VISIONARIES
Saturday, October 20, 2018
2pm
Getty Research Institute, Museum Lecture Hall
In conjunction with their exhibition Artists and Their Books / Books and Their Artists – June 26–October 28, 2018
Free admission, Advance ticket required – tickets.getty.edu
VISIONARIES delves into stories of craft artists who inspire succeeding generations. Featuring weaver Kay Sekimachi, book artist Felicia Rice, collector Forrest L. Merrill, and textile designer and founder of the LongHouse Reserve Jack Lenor Larsen.
J. Fred Woell: An American Vision screening June 23, 4pm
Saturday, June 23, 4pm
Craft in America Center
A new documentary film directed by Richard Kane, J. Fred Woell: An American Vision (US, 2017) celebrates the pioneering metal artist who created work with wit, satire, and meaning. In 1965, Woell took his cast silver jewelry to New York City galleries and was turned down flat. “Use gold or forget it,” they said. A confirmed contrarian, Woell vowed to make jewelry from material of no value, inspiring the term “anti-jewelry.” Nearly fifty years later, he was honored with the Lifetime Achievement Award from the Society of North American Goldsmiths.
This screening, which marks the film’s premiere in Los Angeles, will be introduced by Tibbie Dunbar, a Woell student, artist, and former director of the A+D Museum. The screening is sponsored by Lois Boardman. The film chronicles Woell’s life and artwork, which is now housed in permanent collections across the country and internationally. Woell has inspired generations of students through positions at Boston University, the Swain School of Design, Haystack Mountain School of Crafts, and SUNY New Paltz, as well as through his many workshops and mentorships.
Symposium—Craft in CA & MX: New Roles in Contemporary Culture Jan 20, 10am
LACMA | Bing Theater
Jan 20, 2017, 10 am–3 pm
Free, tickets required
www.lacma.org/event/craft-california-mexico
Beginning in the 1920s, Mexican traditional crafts have been revered both north and south of the border, while California’s experiments in making have redefined the field since mid-century. This day-long program examines how contemporary artists, designers, and craftspeople in Mexico and California transform these legacies to new ends. In the morning, designers Sami Hayek, Christina Kim, and Laura Noriega discuss their collaboration with indigenous artists in the states of Jalisco and Oaxaca. In the afternoon, artists Tanya Aguiñiga, Gerardo Monterrubio, and Consuelo Jimenez Underwood address the way their work, using craft media, explore gender and political issues together with their own Mexican/American identities. The program also includes a keynote talk by textile artist Jim Bassler and a screening of BORDERS, the latest episode from Craft in America.
Presented by LACMA in collaboration with Craft in America. Organized in conjunction with the LACMA exhibition “Found in Translation: Design in California and Mexico, 1915–1985” and the Craft in America Center exhibition “Mano-Made: New Expression in Craft by Latino Artists.”
Screening & Discussion: Borders and Neighbors at the Central Library Oct 22, 2pm
CRAFT IN AMERICA: BORDERS & NEIGHBORS –A Screening and Discussion for “LA Made” at the Central Library
Sun, October 22, 2017, 2:00 PM – 3:30 PM PDT
Join us for a screening followed by a Q&A with three of the local artists featured in the episodes–Jaime Guerrero, Gerardo Monterrubio, and Ofelia Esparza.
Central Library – Mark Taper Auditorium
630 West 5th Street, Los Angeles, CA 90071
To reserve a seat: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/craft-in-america-borders-neighbors-a-screening-and-discussion-tickets-30971082341
Reservation Policy for “LA Made” Programs:
As all “LA Made” programs at Central Library are free of charge, it is our policy to overbook. In the case of a FULL program, your free reservation may not guarantee admission. We recommend arriving early. Space permitting, unclaimed reservations will be released to standby patrons at approximately 1:45 p.m.
Screening: SERVICE at the San Francisco Museum of Craft and Design
Screening of Craft In America: SERVICE
Thursday, November 5, 2015
San Francisco Museum of Craft and Design
7:00-9:30PM
This episode of the Peabody Award-winning and Emmy-nominated series follows the history of the Army Arts and Crafts program to the work contemporary soldiers and veterans, including Ehren Tool, Pam Deluco, Peter Voulkos, and other G.I. Bill artists.
Before and after the screening, view the artists’ work in person in Art and Other Tactics: Contemporary Craft by Artist Veterans.
For tickets: 51211.blackbaudhosting.com/51211/Movie-Night-at-MCD-PBS-Craft-in-America-Service
Exhibition access, wine, and Thatcher’s Gourmet Popcorn included.
Opening Reception, Artist Talk, Screening: MUSIC: Handmade Instruments from the Episode
MUSIC: Handmade Instruments from the Episode
Opening Reception, Artist Talk, & Preview Screening
Saturday, October 10, 2015, 4-6pm
4:00pm Preview Screening: MUSIC Episode
4:30pm Artist Talk: Trumpet Maker David G. Monette
5:00pm Opening Reception: MUSIC Exhibition
The Craft in America Center is pleased to announce our upcoming exhibition, MUSIC: Handmade Instruments from the Episode, on view from October 10 – November 28, 2015. This exhibition accompanies Craft in America’s newest episode, MUSIC, featuring handmade musical instruments and the world-renowned artists who play those remarkable creations. Speaking to the core identity of the United States, these instruments belong to diverse cultures that come together in a unique national tradition. Handmade Instruments is an invitation to get up close and personal with a selection of America’s greatest instruments, and learn about how they are delicately crafted by the human hand.
Now in their 30th year of inventing, designing and hand-crafting custom brass instruments and mouthpieces, the David G. Monette Corporation (Portland, OR) has developed a holistic philosophy taking into account the player, the instrument, the performance space and the audience as a complete communication system. Monette’s revolutionary “constant-pitch-center” mouthpiece allows the trumpet to be played from soft to loud without the pitch changing as in traditional instruments and Monette’s state-of-the-art, no-tension alignment creates an instrument so easy to play, it’s like breathing. These instruments are coveted by world renowned musicians like Wynton Marsalis, Charles Schlueter, Maynard Ferguson and jazz great Scotty Barnhart. Learn more about Monette Trumpets at www.monette.net
RSVP to rsvp@craftinamerica.org
Special Morning Event with David Monette:
Energetics of Performance for Artists and Musicians!
Saturday, October 10, 2015, at 10am
David Monette has taught Yoga and Energetics for Musicians classes for 30 years, working with top classical, jazz and commercial musicians on four continents. He works with visiting clients weekly at his Portland, Oregon studio, combining Raja Yoga, guided meditation, alignment and breath techniques to help players more fully realize their creative and artistic potential. This class will cover energetic and emotional integration techniques designed to enhance creative awareness, expansion and flow. Nothing is needed for this class – simply bring yourself in comfortable clothing!
