Artist on Cover: Jason Kishell, “Smug Mug”

People of all ages and cultures respond to humor enthusiastically and craft artwork definitely can be very funny! Often, the work exudes a sense of the absurd due to exaggerated size or by being executed in unusual materials. Craft artwork can be highly ironic, political, sarcastic, or just plain amusing, and it comes in a variety of media, such as metals, wood, fibers, ceramics, glass, mixed media, etc.

Brigitte Martin has started to develop a book about the role humor plays in contemporary craft and is looking for submissions for initial consideration:

– Images of humorous artwork,
– Texts/essays by the contributing artists, commenting about humorous aspects in their artwork,
– Audio art,
– Video art (the book will contain a CD of audio/video art depending on qualifying submissions,)
– Essays by writers about the role of humor and fun in craft.

Can you show us humor in all its shades expressed through craft artwork and text? Who decides what’s funny and what isn’t? What topics are off-limits? Is irony funny? Sarcasm? Are politics funny? Religion?

This planned book aims to provide the viewer with entertainment, commentary, and of course, many fine craft pieces by makers from all over the world. Humor has no borders. Or does it? It might be interesting to learn how a piece will be hilarious in China, but only garner mild astonishment in Sweden and vice versa.

This call is open to craft artists working in all craft media. crafthaus membership is not required. International entries are particularly welcome and encouraged to participate!

Final deadline: March 1, 2011 .

Click HERE for submission information !

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Starting today, please spread the word on fb, etsy and wherever else you are. If you know of funny pieces, please ask the artist(s) to be in touch with Brigitte, or send his/her information so that they can be considered.

THANK YOU !

Feel free to sign up for this group to get updates on this “fun” project. Email anytime regarding questions, and artwork suggestions !

Email for questions and submissions: [email protected]

Artists: You can start emailing your low res images to the above email.
Writers: You can start emailing your brief essay outlines to the above email.