Vol. 16 No. 1
Spring / Summer 2021
The theme for this issue, TECHNOLOGY, was determined over two years ago, and somehow seems fittingly prescient considering the ways in which internet and communications technologies have come to mediate all aspects of our personal, professional and social lives. But how to address anything these days without providing commentary on a year of pandemic living? Here at Studio, we wanted to go beyond this all-encompassing role of technology to produce articles that zeroed in on particular aspects and applications of the digital in craft and design.
Lee Jones turns science fiction into fact with her forays into interactive learning opportunities — using the space created by the pandemic, she examines the possibilities for craft futures using e-textiles. Scott Coish writes about interdisciplinary artist Tosca Terán’s collaborations with sound, biomaterials and other artists, and design-research group Haptek Lab interviews curator Garth Johnson about the materiality of digital ceramics.
And for the first time, we’ve commissioned an object for our cover: architect and designer Yaw Tony drew from the issue’s themes, his Ghanaian cultural heritage and his critical response to techno-utopias to design a silk scarf for the magazine. The scarf is a limited-edition item, with only five available for purchase online or in person through the Craft Ontario Shop.
In this issue, we also celebrate the accomplishments of the craft artists and makers recognized with 2021 Governor General awards. This year’s recipient of the Saidye Bronfman Award, the highest national award for fine craft, is sculptor Lou Lynn. Raine Mckay and Amy Gogarty nominated Lynn, writing that her work is “characterized by extraordinary craftsmanship, as defined by her mastery of relevant technologies and materials, attention to all aspects of production and presentation, a life-long interest in the tools and implements associated with the history of handcraft and making, and her ability to invest form with presence.”
And while our worlds have been unmade and remade repeatedly over the past year, we’re looking forward with a renewed sense of optimism as we (hopefully) emerge from this pandemic. When the opportunity has presented itself, artists, makers and designers have leveraged the pandemic pause to re-examine their practices, approaches and processes.
We’re also excited about Studio’s planned growth — stay tuned as we continue to expand our presence and explore Canadian craft and design and the people involved with them. Please visit our site or follow us on Twitter, Instagram or Facebook to see our upcoming calls for submission and for more opportunities to become involved with the magazine.
Nehal El-Hadi Editor-In-Chief
CONTENTS:
Editor’s Note
FOCAL POINT Tosca Terán Scott Coish writes about the artist’s exploration of biomaterials. read article
Saidye Bronfman Award Winner: Lou Lynn Mary-Beth Laviolette explores the sculptor’s distinguished career. read article
Celebrating The Crafts Lera Kotsyuba highlights the artists and makers who were recognized by the Governor General awards this year. read article
The Pursuit Of An Unknown Tomorrow Yaw Tony’s silk scarves bring together design, beauty and cultural heritage.
Playing With Fuzzy Tech Styles Researcher and artist Lee Jones investigates how interactive textiles can be employed in craft futures. read article
In The Absence Of The Object The pandemic changes Michael Prokopow’s research plans for a book on the British artist Hurvin Anderson.
A Robotic Embrace Haptek Lab interviews ceramics curator Garth Johnson. read article
On Making Pottery And Cooking Soup Poetry by ceramicist Benjamin Hertwig.
PORTFOLIO Pavitra Wickramasinghe (Montréal, Que.) , Wally Dion (Saskatoon, Sask./NY), SugaCayne Designs (Toronto, Ont.)
INQUIRIES Michelle Jacques The Head of Exhibitions & Collections/Chief Curator at Remai Modern shares the details of her work. read article
