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The term Crafts
suggests a number of things to each of us. We
think of heritage
crafts,
those items that people have been refining for
hundreds of years. We think of contemporary
crafts,
objects that speak of today, sometimes using
traditional techniques and materials recently
provided by industry. Or, we may think of home
crafts,
items people make for their own satisfaction, but do
not produce for sale. For example, the
exhibitors at Inland
Craft Warnings
may lean either toward traditional techniques and materials
or toward the most contemporary materials and
design. All the exhibitors are professional
artists, committed to presenting work that is
well-made, unique, and is a genuine personal
expression.
In the craft world, in all three
categories, heritage, contemporary, and home, there
are certainly varying levels of quality. We
suggest that you can develop your eye for quality by
talking with artists about their work. If you
understand the methods and materials used, you can
better appreciate the crafts you buy. If you
understand how to best live with it, you can expect
a long and loving relationship with it. Here
is a list of questions you can ask the artist:
1.)
How has the artist's design evolved and what were
his or her intentions when they made their items?
2.) How long did it take to make the items?
3.) How long did it take to develop a certain
technique?
4.) Why does the artist think a specific item
is successful?
5.) Is the item a one-of-kind or are there
similar items?
6.) How do you wear or display the items
successfully?
7.) How do you clean the items or use it
safely?
Learn about quality by looking at a lot of
crafts; visit galleries, museums, fairs and
festivals that feature fine arts. Place your
name on the artist and exhibition mailing
lists. Make an appointment to visit an
artist's studio. Be assured that the more you
look, the easier it is to choose, and the more you
look, the more confidence you will have in the
impulsive factor in making your decision
to purchase. Use these four criteria as guides
to your purchases:
1.)
Good workmanship.
2.) Excellence and originality in design.
3.) The credentials of the artist.
4.) The "I really like it, it feels
good to me" factor.
You
may choose to have work custom designed; many crafts
makers are happy to create a piece that will
coordinate with your existing furnishings or
wardrobe.
Finally
remember that the craft item you purchase is an
investment in personal pleasure, treat yourself.
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Related Information -
How
can you GET THE MOST
out of a craft exhibition?
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