Objects for Use: Handmade by Design

by Paul J. Smith, Akiko Busch (Editor), Holly Hotchner (Foreword by)

In our age of technology and mass production, the exquisitely handcrafted, one-of-a-kind object continues to delight the imagination and inspire reverence. Objects for Use is the first panoramic survey of American contemporary craft in over a decade, and the only one now in print.The more than 300 objects by 200 artists run the full gamut of function. They include glass, ceramics, interior furnishings and accessories, kitchen utensils and knives, quilts, musical instruments, games and toys, fishing gear, and more. Accompanying a major exhibition at the American Craft Museum in New York City, this matchless volume pays tribute to a culturally diverse group of craftspeople -- and a uniquely American spirit of creativity.

336 pages, Hardcover

First published September 1, 2001

About the author

Paul J. Smith was a Director of the American Craft Museum (now Museum of Arts and Crafts) in 1963-87.

Reviews

[False · Rating 4 out of 5]

I ordered this physically heavy book because I was, and am, reading all of Akiko Busch's work. She has one of two (Paul Smith) essays in this book. The items photographed are of crafts in different fields: Objects for Food and Dining (and each heading group has sub-headings for example kitchen utensils and dinnerware.) Objects for Interior Space: desks, chairs, bureaus, desk sets, lighting, containers, fireplace tools, etc. Objects for sports, music and place: games, toys, instruments and lacrosse sticks and oars. Some of the craftsmen and women use past techniques to create their items, some create new methods to achieve futuristic, modern results. If you don't get anything else from this book, it should be a desire to consider the aesthetics of your home and how everyday objects can present beauty and pleasure in your living environment.

[Jaimesummer Sammons · Rating 4 out of 5]

Beautiful handmade objects-love books that make "ordinary" something to be desired.