What is craft? How is it different from fine art or design? In A Theory of Craft, Howard Risatti examines these issues by comparing handmade ceramics, glass, metalwork, weaving, and furniture to painting, sculpture, photography, and machine-made design from Bauhaus to the Memphis Group. He describes craft as uniquely blending function with a deeper expression of human values that transcend culture, time, and space. Craft must articulate a role for itself in contemporary society, says Risatti; otherwise it will be absorbed by fine art or design, and its singular approach to understanding the world will be lost.

About the Author
Howard Risatti is professor emeritus of art history at Virginia Commonwealth University, UAS. His four previous books include Skilled Work: American Craft in the Renwick Gallery and Postmodern Perspectives: Issues in Contemporary Art.


Book Information
ISBN 9781469600901
Author Howard Risatti
Format Paperback
Page Count 352
Imprint The University of North Carolina Press
Publisher The University of North Carolina Press