Fantastic furniture by David Stine. ©David Stine. All rights reserved.
I took a little road trip this past weekend to visit the ACC flagship show in Baltimore. Over 600 artists were showing off their work in the enormous convention center in the heart of the city. I can only too well imagine the time commitment, effort, and stress that goes into preparing for an event of this caliber. Everything needs to be just right from the amount of inventory, quality of work, and not least booth display.
Hand knit wonders by Elena Rosenberg. ©Elena Rosenberg. All rights reserved.
For the most part the level of craftsmanship was amazing, but from a consumer point of view (not as a disgruntled fellow artist) I have to admit that there were a few exceptions. In some instances I would question the amount of "handmade by the artist" that was actually taking place, and in others I just did not think the level of design and artistry where up to par. Having said that I want to highlight some of my favorite artists at the event. Naturally there were many, many more but the work featured here symbolizes the best of the best in my mind.
Indigo dyed paper by Lynn Pollard. ©Lynn Pollard. All rights reserved.
Sculptures and jewelry by Stacey Lee Webber (made from screws, nails, and repurposed coins). ©Stacey Lee Webber. All rights reserved.
Beautiful stoneware by Yume Studio. ©Yume Studio. All rights reserved.
Exquisite quilts by Erin Wilson. This one came home with me... so lucky. ©Erin Wilson. All rights reserved.
I want to apologize for the long time gaps between posts lately. I am still adjusting to my new work schedule, and am always overestimating how much I can get done on my days off. I hope to see you back here before soon.
That table is beautiful!
ReplyDeleteLooks a great weekend trip. And love your selection...the ceramics are clean and light...and the quilt, lucky girl!
ReplyDeleteThank you so much for a taste of this year's ACC Baltimore show! I used to live in the area (Virginia side of DC) and loved going to that show.
ReplyDeleteHave you been to the Smithsonian Craft Show in April in DC yet? It's a treat on so many levels - in the Old Building Museum which is an architectural delight - and then about 120 of the best of the best.
Jennifer, I hope to visit the Smithsonian show as well this spring. I have been to the building museum - must be a perfect setting for a craft show.
DeleteI know what you mean about the dubious 'handmade' by the artist issue...it is what has been coming up in the craft shows for years. Making money, not Love becomes the focus. I could go on and on about this....but I'll stay positive now. So glad there were gems there for you to discover.
ReplyDeleteI went on Friday and really enjoyed talking to many of the artisans. I especially appreciated those who had a clear vision in both their work and it's display. There was a guy with jewelry which he considered small sculptures, so each piece also included it's own display stand as part of the purchase. There were impressive, investment booths, but also some inexpensive ones that were very sharp and clever. I liked the variety of craft as well, from 3D printing and compressed wood, to laboriously sanded vessels and quirky ceramics. Stacy Lee Webber's work was one of my favorites also!
ReplyDeleteGreat observations Kristin. I am glad you had a good time and found some gems.
DeleteI bet it was an awesome road trip! Elena's hand knits are beautiful! I love that piece!
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