Vivian Smith / 40 Mugs / 10.24.2022 / 11.14.2022
There is a recognized tension between craft and fine art. Is one area more important than the other? Why is there a noticeable division between art and craft that is evident even at the educational level such as at AUArts? This exhibition challenges the notion of a clear separation between the two creative endeavors and suggests the boundary between art and craft has blurred and perhaps has all but disappeared. The first project assigned to third year ceramic majors is to make 40 mugs. The goal is to improve skill and technique. Repetition leads to improvements inability and confidence. By mimicking the 40 Mugs assignment with paint, I invite comparisons between the craft world and fine art. Where do these two areas overlap? How are they the same? How do they differ? When making a mug, the artist has only one tool and only one material at his/her disposal. The tool is the potter’s wheel, and the material is clay. Within this restrictive environment, almost any mug form is possible. Painting forty mugs leads to an accumulation of painting experience and knowledge.
A multi-disciplinary artist with a background in engineering, I explore how repetition leads to growth and wisdom. I utilize traditional fine art materials such as paint, but also craft materials such as fibre and ceramics. There is a recognized tension between fine art and craft. Is one area more important than the other? Why is there a noticeable division between art and craft that is evident even at the educational level such as at AUArts? The first project assigned to third year ceramic majors is to make 40 mugs. The goal is to improve skill and technique. Repetition leads to improvements in ability and confidence. By mimicking the 40 mugs assignment with paint, I invite comparisons between the worlds of fine art and craft. Where do these two areas overlap? How are they the same? How do they differ? 40 Mugs challenges the notion of a clear separation between the two creative endeavors and suggests the boundary between fine art and craft has blurred and perhaps has all but disappeared.
