Decorative Arts Trust – Understanding Craft: A new digital tool debuts

8/2/24

Read the full article by Emily Zaiden on DecorativeArtsTrust.com

Three years in the making, Craft in America is launching the first ever Craft Video Dictionary (CVD), thanks to support from the Decorative Arts Trust’s inaugural Prize for Excellence and Innovation. The CVD (accessible at craftvideodictionary.org) is a free online resource that gives the public direct, close-up views of the craft processes and techniques behind the decorative arts. Instead of words and images, CVD definitions are conveyed via video. Clear and concise, these segments are edited to focus strictly on the artists’ movements and the transformation of their materials. By providing an intimate lens into the artist’s studio, each video entry is an accurate look at how the objects in our world come to be and the skills handcraft really entails.

The CVD consists of techniques demonstrated by artists with expertise across the spectrum of the crafts and decorative arts. Ceramics, metal, wood, fiber, glass, and other materials are among the represented media. Terms range from sgraffito to shaping hot glass and from coiling fiber to fullering. Each video features an artist shaping their work through methods that are historic and also very much alive. These videos provide a bridge to the past and shed light on how people have created objects over the centuries. Craft is a continuum that spans time and connects cultures.

The roll-out of this new reference tool includes an initial batch of 100 video definitions, and 100 additional videos will be posted later this year. The first collection of videos begins to flesh out the specifics of art and craft making across materials and media, and there is so much more to be recorded. The CVD has the potential to include hundreds of additional videos featuring the work of artists from across the country and beyond.

…

Woodworking Network: Craft in America Launches Craft Video Dictionary

5/13/24

Full, original article by Dakota Smith on Woodworking Network here.

Craft in America has launched the first-ever Craft Video Dictionary (CVD). The CVD is an online resource that gives the public a direct, close-up view of craft processes and techniques. Instead of words and images, CVD definitions are conveyed via video. Clear and concise, these videos are edited to focus on the artists’ movements and the transformation of materials. The project was initiated with support from The Decorative Arts Trust through their Prize for Excellence and Innovation in late 2020.

The first rollout of this new reference tool includes an initial batch of one hundred video definitions. This initial collection of videos begins to flesh out the ins and outs of art and craft making across a range of materials and media. Two hundred videos will be posted in total later this year.

The CVD includes techniques as demonstrated by artists with expertise in ceramics, metal, wood, fiber, glass, and more. Each video captures an artist manipulating material with their hands and tools through methods that are traditional, historic, and also very much still alive. “The CVD videos are intended to clearly define a craft technique, rather than demonstrate a how-to process. We hope this project will be useful to educators, museums, and everyone interested in craft,” says CVD project producer Denise Kang.

Thus far, 14 artists have been filmed across Southern California, and many of them are teaching artists at colleges in the region. The CVD includes definitions of terms ranging from sgraffito, which is a ceramics process, to glass blowing, and from cabinet making and joinery, to spindle turning, and blacksmithing.

By providing an intimate lens into the artist’s studio, CVD video definitions provide a sense of how the objects in our world come to be and what their craft entails. On creating the videos, CVD Project Director Emily Zaiden noted, “each artist during filming was able to take a step back from their second nature process and think about what someone unfamiliar with their craft might need to see and understand their work.”

A NEW, FREE ONLINE DICTIONARY OF CRAFT DEBUTS

This reinvented dictionary brings word definitions to life through videos of artists making objects.

About the Craft Video Dictionary

Three years in the making, Craft in America has launched the first ever Craft Video Dictionary (CVD), craftvideodictionary.org. The CVD is a free online resource that gives the public a direct, close-up view of craft processes and techniques. Instead of words and images, CVD definitions are conveyed via video. Clear and concise, these videos are edited to focus strictly on the artists’ movements and the transformation of materials. The project was initiated with support from The Decorative Arts Trust through their inaugural Prize for Excellence and Innovation, which was received in late 2020.

The first rollout of this new reference tool includes an initial batch of 100 video definitions. This initial collection of videos begins to flesh out the ins and outs of art and craft making across a range of materials and media. 200 videos will be posted in total later this year.

The CVD includes technique definitions as demonstrated by artists with expertise in ceramics, metal, wood, fiber, glass and more materials. Each video captures an artist manipulating material with their hands and tools through methods that are traditional, historic, and also very much still alive. “The CVD videos are intended to clearly define a craft technique, rather than demonstrate a how-to process. We hope this project will be useful to educators, museums, and everyone interested in craft,” says CVD Project Producer Denise Kang.

Thus far, 14 artists were filmed across Southern California, many of them are teaching artists at colleges in the region. The CVD includes definitions of terms ranging from sgraffito, which is a ceramics process, to glass blowing, and from cabinet making and joinery, to spindle turning, and blacksmithing.

By providing an intimate lens into the artist’s studio, CVD video definitions provide a sense of how the objects in our world come to be and what craft really entails. On creating the videos, CVD Project Director Emily Zaiden noted, “each artist during filming was able to take a step back from their second nature process and think about what someone unfamiliar with their craft might need to see and understand so as to appreciate their work.”

Filming at Allied Woodshop for the Craft Video Dictionary

Mary here, Craft in America’s Getty Marrow Undergraduate Intern for Summer 2023. Earlier this week, I participated in another shoot day for the Craft Video Dictionary. We filmed several woodworking techniques at Allied Woodshop in East LA. At various points throughout the day, I was awestruck by the skill and speed each artist brought to the table. Woodworking is not my area of expertise, but everyone from Allied was extremely helpful and communicative. The shoot went smoothly and I’m proud to say we filmed the creation of some humble yet beautiful objects. Everyone has been putting so much work into this project, and it’s exciting to see it grow continuously. 

Allied Woodshop frequently offers beginning to advanced workshops, many of which are specifically reserved for women, nonbinary, and trans students. For more information, visit alliedwoodshop.com. 

The Craft Video Dictionary is supported by the Decorative Arts Trust’s Prize for Excellence and Innovation. To learn more about the Trust or to become a member, visit The Decorative Arts Trust.

Header image: Martin Alexander turning beads and coves on a lathe.

2023 Getty Marrow Intern — Mary McCord

Mary here, writing from week 5 of my Getty Marrow Undergraduate Internship. I can’t believe my time at Craft in America is half over! The diverse range of projects I’m working on have made the experience fly by.

My role at Craft in America is in digital communications, but the opportunities I’ve been given through the Getty Marrow program encompass much more than that. Yesterday for example, the Getty sent members of my internship cohort on a walking tour of public art in Long Beach. I had little experience in the realm of public art, but the Arts Council of Long Beach presented an informative snapshot of the entire process including conception, funding, community input and engagement, and conservation. A few weeks ago, the Getty Center hosted a leadership summit for this year’s internship cohort. We were treated to a series of lectures from Getty Marrow alumni, and encouraged to explore the museum’s exhibitions after the day’s activities concluded. My current immersion in craft gave me a new perspective on the value of handmade objects in museum collections.

Week to week, I’ve been working on a number of exciting projects. I am currently focused on conducting research for our upcoming Craft Video Dictionary project, supported by the Decorative Arts Trust’s Prize for Excellence and Innovation. The Craft Video Dictionary seeks to be a resource for craftspeople of all skill levels by providing a video encyclopedia of common techniques, materials, and tools spanning a variety of craft media. Contributing to this project has deepened my appreciation for the extensive knowledge and skill craftspeople bring to their work. I’ve also been promoting different facets of the Craft in America Center on social media. This includes our current exhibition, Couples in Craft, as well as the ever-expanding Craft in America library. The library houses a collection of over 3,000 craft books, catalogs, and publications, all completely free and open to the public. I would love to see the surrounding community utilize this more often!

A highlight of my internship so far was attending an advanced weaving workshop led by Ferne Jacobs, a prolific fiber artist whose work I’ve admired for years. I was thrilled when Craft in America agreed to let me film the event for social media while participating as a student. Jacobs is a gifted educator, and the small class size allowed her to spend ample one-on-one time with each participant. We had a great discussion about our individual goals, inspirations, and the creative process, receiving constructive feedback throughout. It was one of the most energizing creative experiences I’ve had – all because this internship gives me the opportunity to make my passions part of my job description.

On a related note, the exhibition “Ferne Jacobs: A Personal World” is on at the Claremont Lewis Museum of Art until September 24th. Thoughtfully curated by Craft in America’s own Emily Zaiden, the exhibition is a 60-year retrospective which includes rarely-exhibited works. It’s a great source of insight into the more esoteric themes in Jacobs’ work. I highly recommend checking it out if you’re in the area.

Looking back on the first half of my internship, I am awed by how much I have learned about the world of craft. I am looking forward to the second half of this experience, excited about perfecting skills I have begun to develop.

Filming with Ryan Taber at California State University Long Beach

Mary here, Craft in America’s summer 2023 Getty Marrow Undergraduate Intern. Last week, I had the pleasure of accompanying Craft in America to California State University Long Beach to shoot content for an ongoing project: the Craft Video Dictionary. CSULB is my alma mater, and returning to campus for my new job less than two months after graduating was surreal. The team set up in the school’s wood shop, nestled in the center of the fine arts building complex where I’d spent most of my time in undergrad. We were filming with Ryan Taber, head of the University’s Wood program, as he demonstrated a variety of woodworking techniques.

The Craft Video Dictionary is one of the most ambitious projects I’ll be working on throughout my internship. The project’s website, which launches later this year, will host an extensive library of videos illustrating craft techniques and their associated materials and tools. We filmed Ryan demonstrating a few common processes in furniture design. I had no prior knowledge of woodworking, but Ryan thoroughly explained each step to the crew. He advised us on presenting the material with clarity and accuracy throughout the day. I left with a deepened appreciation for the minutiae of furniture construction. It was one of the many ways this internship has helped me notice the subtle craftsmanship I interact with every day. The expertise and skill Ryan brought on set made me even more excited for the launch of this project.

The Craft Video Dictionary is supported by the Decorative Arts Trust’s Prize for Excellence and Innovation. To learn more about the Trust or to become a member, visit The Decorative Arts Trust.

Filming with Nobuhito Nishigawara for the Craft Video Dictionary

It was our pleasure to film with ceramic artist and educator Nobuhito Nishigawara for the Craft Video Dictionary. Nobu demonstrated many wheel throwing techniques as well as hand building techniques and glazing.

The Craft Video Dictionary is supported by the Decorative Arts Trust’ Prize for Excellence and Innovation. To learn more about the Trust or to become a member, visit The Decorative Arts Trust.