Work by an American Maker

Before I went on my travels, my son took it upon himself to organise my MP3 player – alphabetically, by genre and with a special section of music for New York! The one song that keeps playing through my head so far is Leonard Cohen’s ‘First we take Manhattan’…  So – we are doing just that!

After a lunch that left us all with plates that looked like they had not been touched even though we could all eat no more, we set off to explore galleries and exhibitions.

Manhattan is fairly simple to navigate as it is all based on grids (just like Glasgow!) and everything seems to be within walking distance. However, our feet and legs tell us today that we must have walked miles! Some of us went to MOMA and came away overwhelmed by the crowds and have decided to try when it it quieter – I have seen very little sign of a financial downturn here but perhaps that is just where we are situated. Talking with people, they say that instead of shares the wealthy are investing in art works. Indeed there was a rash of red dots appearing on work at SOFA – many in the $40,000 + range!

The SOFA reception was amazing – so many people in incredible clothes and you could nearly smell the wealth. We wandered in a daze clutching champagne and kept being stopped in our tracks by the sheer bad taste, garish colours and size of some of the American work (and many if them had red dots and huge price tags) – it was very difficult to not just concentrate on them! The American aesthetic is so different from the European and indeed Japanese. Our work stood out in with it’s beautifully executed craftsmanship, design and quality. It was hard not to compare a perfect work by Alison Kinnaird at $18,000 dollars with a ceramic figure decorated with wool that had been badly glued on (yes, you heard me right!) by Michael Lucero at $40,000!

However, that was first impressions and we did find some gems in amongst the more obvious work. I am really looking forward to today when we go back to have a proper look, get a guided tour and a chance to talk to people as well as attend some lectures.

After that, I am off to meet Monica Hampton at the American Crafts Council to talk to her about their Searchlight mentoring scheme – amongst other things. Hopefully, I will take away some ideas for our plans! Then it’s on to The Pentland School of Craft Artists Reception at the home of Bill and Laura Paulson followed by our group dinner with invited curators and artists! Luckily the sun is shining and I had a few hours sleep last night!

One really important part of a trip like this is having the opportunity to spend time with colleagues who are as passionate about crafts as you are. The discussions that follow events, the planning of new projects and the sharing of ideas are invaluable and if that involves a trip to the top of the Rockefeller Tower for cocktails all the better! The views last night were stunning and I was fine if I didn’t look down!

Now it’s on to take on today’s experiences! I’ll be reporting back later.

Pamela
16 April 2009, New York