Many good suggestions have been proffered for increasing the visibility of lace. But, here in NY, what I am observing is that people who know how to make lace, and are fiber artists are turning away from making lace art because there is no market for it. We are, to use one of my husband's expressions, "pushing a string". The great lace pieces were made as a result of commercial activity. For instance the wonderful lappets were the result of trained designers who found it financially advantageous to design and make great pieces. Likewise the wonderful prize winning pieces of the late 19th century were in aid of commercial activity that was remunerative enough that there was incentive for industries to hire expensive designers and excellent work people. Many of our group buy old lace, in fact, the laces of this period of high standards of design and artistry are what we are buying.. But, do any of us buy great works by current lace artists such as Pierre Fouche? Why not? I guess because we do not fancy ourselves as part of the group of people who buy art. Or perhaps we don't think it has resale value or will be liked by our children. But, if we don't value it, why do we think that art collectors will find value in it? So, are we largely wanting to preserve lacemaking as a craft that individuals practice for pleasure, which is certainly worthwhile, but we are not interested in encouraging great work to be made using the technique in contemporary ways by gifted artists? A corollary would be to think it is desirable to encourage individuals to do oil painting as a hobby and for personal expression, but not to support the making of oil paintings by professional artists, and the viewing and enjoyment of lace art by connoisseurs. Thoughts? Devon
- To unsubscribe send email to [email protected] containing the line: unsubscribe lace [email protected]. For help, write to [email protected]. Photo site: http://www.flickr.com/photos/lacemaker/sets/
