Practice and Reflection
craft symposium
report
The alias craft symposium Practice and Reflection which took place in September 2003 was initiated in response to a perceived need amongst craft makers in the region for opportunities to engage with critical debate. There was a feeling amongst makers that there was a theoretical discourse about craft that was happening elsewhere, at one remove from their experience and the concerns that were central to their practice.
The aim of the event was to create a positive forum for practitioners to engage with current debates in the crafts and to explore ways in which theory could be more closely informed by practice. There was also an aspiration to begin to engender a sense of critical community amongst makers in the region.
The speakers made presentations across a wide range of issues, embracing an equally broad range of styles, from the densely academic to the inspirational. Paul Harper opened by outlining the rationale behind the day and arguing against a one size fits all, cultural theory approach to theorising and spoke of the need for craftspeople to actively take a lead in the discourse about craft.
Academic and artist Chris Smith, drawing on his work with Art and Language, spoke about the “critical object” and examined the role of the craft object in theory. In a wide-ranging talk Chris raised questions about a number of issues such as: can an artefact do more than simply illustrate a concept; do artefacts merely stimulate linguistic reasoning; and what might be the role of the exhibition?
Matthew Partington talked about the work of The National Electronic and Video Archive of the Crafts (NEVAC), which gathers material as a resource for those researching the nature of the crafts. This material is typically in the form of digital video and sound recordings of key figures associated with the development of the crafts in Britain. He showed two short films from the archive that demonstrated beautifully the potential of the medium for making evident under researched or under valued aspects of craft practice. Both films were evocative of the sensual experience of making and of the profound tacit knowledge that is embodied in the maker.
Furniture maker Carl Hahn gave an overview of his practice and touched on the things which have shaped that practice and speculated about the appeal of his work to others.
Ceramicist and writer Edmund de Waal has been vocal in arguing that craftspeople should write about their practice, not least as a way of promoting their work, but also as an aid to reflection and in order that authentic accounts of practice are available to counter the sometimes overly conceptual bent of the dominant critical discourse. As Edmund put it “if we don’t write about our practice then somebody else will”. Edmund discussed a variety of approaches that makers might use for reflecting on or describing their practice.
The last speaker of the day was Liz Harding who was joined by her colleagues from the Brunel Broderers, group of textile artists who came together to provide a network of support and a forum for discussion. Out of this forum the Broderers have developed increasingly ambitious projects and exhibitions. Fundamental to the group’s philosophy is a mutual respect and integrity, which enables each member to retain their individuality while promoting the group’s professional identity. Each member considers their own personal development as crucial in maintaining the vitality and innovation on which the group thrives. The group talked about the strength and confidence, and pleasure that they have found in working together.
Our original perceptions were confirmed by the fact that the day was over subscribed and by the enthusiasm of those attending. The day was described as “inspiring” and “empowering”. The speakers were all in their different way raising questions that are central to makers practice. Edmund de Waal and Liz Harding in particular highlighted the need for and the benefits of engaging with, and contributing to, critical discourse around craft. They also offered positive and practical ways for practitioners to take the lead in defining the nature of that discourse.
As a result of the success of this first Practice and Reflection symposium and the clearly expressed hunger for more we are now organising a series to run over the next year.