Folk Arts and Crafts Folk Arts and Crafts

Folk Arts and Crafts

Folk Arts and Crafts (Intro) In this study, it we have a couple main questions: “folk” vs. “nonfolk” “craft” vs. “art” How do we differentiate the two and hence, how do we categorize?

Definitions (Flexible in Categorization) Folk Crafts-are products that are mainly utilitarian and traditional that have been the result of amateur labor. (Functional) Folk Art-is usually thought of as purely decorative or representation items that have been produced through traditional means. (Mainly non-functional)

Definitions for Clarification Traditional Means-is the process which normally implies a noninstitutionalized process. The knowledge on how to do create the art/craft has been passed down informally or semi-formally or discovered individually. Furthermore, the production usually does not take place in a modern factory-like setting.

Definitions for Clarification (con’t) Amateur Labor-the labor that is performed by an individual or group of individuals who have not been trained through institutionalized means. Utilitarian-any object that has a use other than to just be seen. However, the are objects whose primary use it meant as a sign (e. g. Scarecrow). Decorative object-an object whose main purpose is to be admired for its precision, workmanship, or beauty.

An American Example of Craft (Folk and Non-Folk) Quilt-A type of bedspread or blanket that is formed by sewn squares and filled with down or other fill. Quilting Square-the individual unit which is duplicated to create the final design. Quilting Circle-A social group that is formed for the creation of a quilt (usually this is a secondary function).

Quilting Links and Pictures Library of Congress American Memory Site: http: //memory. loc. gov/ammem/qlthtml/qlthome. html

Quilting Pictures

Quilting Pictures

Quilting Pictures

To Ponder… What can we learn about culture and society through the study of folk arts and crafts? Are such things as graffiti folk art or craft? How about amateur-made religious icons are they folk art or are they folk craft, or neither? What functions can folk art or craft have for a given society or culture?