This program explores the history and significance of the craft movement in the United States and its impact on the nation's cultural heritage. "Memory" focuses on the historical relevance of craft through the eyes of seve... more »ral contemporary pioneers in the field. "Landscape" examines the interdependent relationship of craft artists to their media and the natural world.« less
An overwhelming feast of creative work and people!
Marshall Hudson Knapp | Fair Haven,, VT USA | 09/17/2007
(5 out of 5 stars)
"What an exceptional series! My daughter, who teaches art, encouraged us to purchase this series of programs because she was deeply inspired by watching one of the programs, so we gave it a try. Wow! What an adventure, visiting amazing, inspiring people from all across the country, and feasting on the rich diversity of gorgeous, works of crafted art! You meet delightful, funny, earthy, courageous people of many different "types" who share their lives and works. You see them doing their work, gathering in communities, struggling to find their way through life... and bearing the mosts beautiful, diverse works! The quality of the creations makes it harder to discern art from craft. But the best part is just delighting in story after story of amazing people, the moving accounts of their life journeys, to communities that sustain them, and their awesome works of art! Another delight is the photography of the people and the environments from which their works arise. The filming and editing are exceptionally beautiful and often powerful!"
Extremely well done and inspiring
E. Karasik | Washington, DC United States | 03/16/2008
(5 out of 5 stars)
"This series came as a wonderful surprise; I had never heard of it and had low expectations. But the consistent high quality of the interviews and the visuals, and the enormous diversity of the featured artists, makes it a stand-out in the art documentary genre. It emphasizes each artist's sense of place, as well as illustrating the way creative traditions are fused with culture and passed down over generations. A must-see for anyone interested in the creative process."
Inspiring, educational fascinating look at artist craftspeop
Rachel Murphree | El Paso, TX | 02/22/2008
(5 out of 5 stars)
"This 3 hour dvd is a wonderful glimpse into skilled artisan/craftspeople that shows their studios, their inspirations, motivations, and technique. Not a "how to" at all, but a "why and how and who". HIGHLY recommend!"
Wow!!!
D. A. Schuman | Coventry, RI United States | 07/08/2008
(5 out of 5 stars)
"I love PBS and this one is no exception. Thoughtful, thought provoking and beautifully filmed. It has it all. I loved seeing the diversity of work being produced and seeing the artists talk about how they see their own work."
Magical and inspiring
M. Drudzinski | Santa Monica, CA | 10/05/2008
(5 out of 5 stars)
"I love this video. I have seen the series on PBS and I have watched the DVD. I continue to draw inspiration from the artists and the rich history of craft in America.
If your creative batteries are running low or if you want to see examples of how people live/think differently through their art, you should watch this DVD.
There are so many talented, dedicated artists in this series, and I love how idiosyncratic and unconventional they are. They live outside the mainstream and yet their work is such a part of who were are as Americans. Potter David Gurney, Jewelry maker Kit Carson and so many others will leave you wanting more out of the way you live your life and interact with the world around you. They may inspire you to live more artfully.