Vol. 14 No. 1
Spring / Summer 2019
What’s in a Revolution? Change is a tradition for craft. Our revolution is not always political but craft and design know about the processes of remaking, reinventing and reinvigorating by using heritage, experience and careful consideration. In this issue we ask how craft’s traditions of remembering, questioning and adjusting are faring today and ask how it’s going. The writers and thinkers weigh-in on the issue, not all agree on how change is happening or how positive it all is, but they all agree that craft and design never stop moving. From Rachelle Chinnery’s look at balancing concept with material knowledge, to Mary Baumstark pushing an active progression in contemporary making, Canadian craft and design has a profound respect for the material of our culture. It’s all change – just like always - in the physical stuff that makes our world and for the people who make, love and enjoy it.
Revolution motivated William Morris and John Ruskin in the first wave of craft and design 150 years ago; change drove the Bauhaus 100 years ago; the ambitions for something better made studio craft out of the 1968 uprisings 50 years ago. Wherever we are, we are making the change we want to see.
This issue also marks the passing of Sandra Alfoldy, a revolutionary in her own way: a champion of craft, a serious & fun intellectual, and a longtime supporter of and editorial advisor to Studio. Sandra brought with her a vivacious love of craft and its makers, and her influence will endure in our pages. Julie Hollenbach, one of Sandra's students, whose article on craft's whiteness appears on page 30, recalls Sandra's "brilliance and clarity as a scholar, her tremendous joy in teaching, and her generosity and kindness as a friend."
We will continue in the spirit with which Sandra sought to connect us all, and to challenge the presumptions of craft and design, and to continue exploring the pleasures of making, remaking and revolutionizing the possible world.
Leopold Kowolik, Gord Thompson, and Lera Kotsyuba
REGULARS:
Editors’ Note
Atelier
Remembering Sandra Alfoldy. Read article
Under the Radar
Spotting lesser-known talent in Nunavut - Ugly Fish Design. Read article
Portfolio
Two ways to make a Revolution.
Did You Know?
Michael Prokopow considers revolutionary anniversaries. Read article
Review: Rob Froese
Carmen Belanger reviews an ACAD graduation show.
Review: Then, Now and Next
Lera Kotsyuba reviews an exhibition at the Clay and Glass Gallery.
Conference Review
Marci Rae McDade reviews the Textile Society of America symposium. Read article
inStudio
in Studio with Haliburton School of Art and Design.
FRESH:
A Revolution out of Touch
Ceramist, photographer and writer Rachelle Chinnery reflects on how far craft is going, and what it has left behind.
Susan Edgerley, 2019 Bronfman Award Winner
Dianne Charbonneau celebrates the work of the glass artist and educator, recognized by the Canada Council’s highest honour.
Sowing the Seeds
Bronfman winner Susan Edgerley and the foundation of FUSION & Espace Verre.
Moving Beyond a Modern Craft
Julie Hollenbach wrestles with craft’s cultural blind spots – aspiring for craft beyond modernism, and making beyond appropriation. Read article
50 Years at Sheridan College
The Craft and Design program has had an outsized impact on Canadian (and global) craft. Rachel Gotlieb revisits the history of the founding.
Four Revolutionary Moves
Throughout its history, craft has been revolutionary. Amy Gogarty and Mireille Peron introduce four makers continuing that tradition. Read article
Pride and Protest
Rebecca Gray reports from Otahpiaaki Fashion Week.
At the Border
In a follow up to her article ‘Why I’m done defining Craft’ (Studio FW18-19), Mary Callahan Baumstark gives some examples of change-making makers. Read article
