Michael Strand: The Role of Craft

by Ben Rheault

As part of its ongoing series of classes and lectures, The Rourke Art Museum is bringing local artist, activist, and educator Michael Strand to discuss the history of craft from its origins as functional objects to its use as a tool bringing awareness to current issues. I asked Michael a few questions about his work, and what he will be discussing with us at his lecture this coming Saturday.

HPR: With your Bush fellowship, you have traveled throughout the world to study. Which was you favorite place that you visited, and why is it your favorite?

Michael Strand: My favorite place was São João del Rei, Brazil where I spent nearly three weeks. I was invited to work at one of the best ceramic schools in Brazil to conduct a workshop and lecture, and realized quickly that I would be the one learning and growing from the experience. I worked with a ceramics department that had seven faculty members (just for clay) and they are doing remarkable work within the community. They have built and run a studio within the largest drug and alcohol rehab centers in the city and both the faculty and students are a core part of the recovery process. It was wonderful to be part of a community that so valued the arts, which were supported both publicly and privately for the advancement of culture.

HPR: You brought your son with you for some of your international travels. How did this affect your educational experiences?

MS: I brought my son Malcolm to Holland, France, Germany and Italy to accompany project work and my son Ian with me to Ireland, England and Guernsey. In both of these trips having my sons along allowed me to share with them both the project based work that I do along with the experiences that come with it. Both of my sons are incredibly progressive at a young age, and the ability to experience cultural differences together was a bonding experience like none other.

HPR: Do you identify more as a crafter, a fine artist, or a social practitioner? What is the difference, in your opinion, between "art" and "craft”?

MS: I identify as a craftivist and a maker. By training I am an artist – but the content or “reason” for making what I make often resides outside of what people consider “art”. I am not really concerned with labels such as art and craft – I am far more interested in the intention of the object being made.

HPR: What will be the main talking points in your upcoming lecture at The Rourke?

MS: I will be examining a bit of the history of craft from very early objects and the reality that the human civilization was built on the backs of makers. I will be examining some contemporary craft based artists, such as Sonya Clark and Gabriel Craig – who work at the intersection of the history of craft and craft process as content for conceptual works of art. I will be speaking about the connectedness that the craft world has with the general public that is enviable from the perspective of fine arts. Examples locally include the Unglued Craft event and Bras on Broadway which I view as an excellent example of textile-based craftivism. The lecture will be an inspiring vantage point, examining historical and contemporary craft practice.

The lecture, “The Role of Craft,” will be presented by Michael Strand on Saturday, December 12 at 7:00 PM at The Rourke Art Museum located at 521 Main Avenue, Moorhead, MN. Also coming up the next day, Sunday, December 13th, crafter Chelsea Thorson will help you get a head start on the holiday season with the Family Holiday Up-Cycling Craft Party from 2 to 5pm. Both of these events are free and open to the public.

IF YOU GO:

“The Role of Craft” lecture from Michael Strand

Sat. Dec. 12, 7pm

The Rourke Art Museum 521 Main Avenue, Moorhead, MN.