A Theory of Craft: Function and Aesthetic Expression

Exceptionally academic and philosophical work on the concept of fine art versus craft, and how the two are not so separate. This is a philosophy book about aesthetics, not a 'how to craft' book, but it had tremendous thoughts and references.

Howard Risatti's "Theory of Craft" is a patient, searching examination of the roles and natures of craft objects, tools, and machines in addressing issues of purpose, use, and function. In carefully defining and expanding upon these ideas, it may seem at times as if Risatti is engaging in academic hair-splitting. However, such thoroughness is necessary in addressing complex yet often unstated issues related to the objects found in our everyday lives. In my opinion, this is a very good book on an extremely interesting subject and, while different from these books, I find it as useful and worthwhile as two other favorite books: David Pye's "Nature and Art of Workmanship" and Laurel Ulrich's "Age of Homespun."

Strong, cohesive discussion on the separate-yet-togetherness of art and/vs craft, particularly in relation to our personal connection as beings who create and examine other creations. I would recommend this to anyone with an appreciation for voracious academic analysis that borders on obsessive, particularly when defining terms. This is definitely a subject that requires and benefits from that level of attention to detail, and the work sings because of it.

This is a very well-written and easy to read book that examines what craft is, and its place in the world. Risatti looks at the properties of craft objects and discusses how they different from art objects. He examines other writer's work as it relates to craft, e.g. Aristotle, Schopenhauer, Kant, Simmel and particularly Heidegger, whose ideas are discussed throughout the book. The text is liberally footnoted, and original authors are always fully cited so you can easily locate the text under discussion for yourself.Risatti's main thesis is that craft objects are defined by having a connection to the body, and being formed around physical purpose and function. Interestingly he believes that media often considered craft, such as jewellery, textile design, tiles, architectural ornamentation etc. belong in a separate category of "adornment" which should be separate from craft objects, situated part way between craft and art (p. 39-40). As I am personally most interested in textile-based craft this made the book a little frustrating for me, as Risatti's subsequent discussions do not encompass these media. However he does discuss textiles in places where they are involved with craft/art intersections, such as a very interesting piece about Robert Rauschenberg's work 'Bed' (1955), in which the artist partly painted over a bed quilt with oil paint and pastel (p.132-134).I particularly liked the chapter 'Thingness of the thing' (p.139-149) as this is a succinct and accessible unpicking of Heidegger's 'The Thing', and would be a useful read for undergraduates studying design.Risatti actually draws a huge distinction between the designer and the craftsperson. He states that "in the process of designing the designer does not directly encounter the physical world of matter: no dialogical/dialectical process occurs, no give and take...between idea, form and matter through which they eventually come together as a fully fledged design object" (p. 171). Risatti states that a designer is "compelled to conceive objects for mass production" (p.173) and his discussion of the implication of multiples in the form of copies and reproductions is very thought-provoking. At first I was inclined to take issues with the claim that designers are forced to remove themselves from the dialogic relationship with materials, and then sadly I found myself forced to admit Risatti was right, and I just didn't want to admit the real-world day-to-day limitations of design.So, overall, a really interesting book, and I recommend it to anyone interested in crafts from an academic perspective.

I’ve been wanting to read this book for a while (pre-MA program) and I was very please to find a seller who offered a used version to save money. I was super surprised by the quality of this book when it arrived. It’s almost perfect!

Thank you Mr. Risatti for writing a very interesting book. You almost have answered the question of art and craft that philosophers debating since Plato. Wonderful book.

All the books I've bought, are written very successful.

In this book, Risatti rehashes all of the old theories about why art created using traditional craft materials (fiber, glass, wood, ceramics, etc.) will never be art. If you are interested in the post-modern theory of craft as art, you won't get it here. There is not one single new idea in this whole book. Don't waste your time with this.

Great