Basketry + Art + Trend.

Basketry as Art? I see Eric’s baskets as a sculpture. They’re beautifully designed and executed. I also think it could be a science as well since his baskets are so precise and structured. And if you’re familiar with Leonardo da Vinci, you know that art and science can go hand-in-hand (before Eric freaks because he’s always telling me he is NOT an artist but an American craftsman, I am not comparing my husband to da Vinci!). And Eric is not the only one. There are so many basket makers that create beautiful, artistic and modern basketry.

So why is it considered a craft and not an art? I am an artist and I can say for a fact that Eric is very much a creator. (And I need to add that, again, he’s always telling me he doesn’t feel like an artist!) And I sense the lines are starting to blur. Pottery has definitely crossed the line from craft to fine art. And I believe basketry is following that trend as well (however, I’m not the expert — I’m a lowly basketmaker’s wife).

Since I do see Eric’s baskets as art and modern art’s popularity is greatly influenced by trends, I thought it would be fun to pair up one of Eric’s designs to a trendy item. It’s my attempt at getting the message out that basketry is not only an age-old craft but culturally fashionable as well. And this message is aimed directly at my craftsman husband! You are an artist. Oh wait, American craftsman/designer/artist. Get over yourself.

So for my first image, I had to go with my most favorite basket of Eric’s, Retro Deco and an item from one of my favorite stores, ModCloth.com It’s a barcode ring! I think I have to buy that for myself! Especially after I get done with all this bilingual English/Chinese packaging I’m working on. I also had to generate 15 bar codes today for the line. That’s a task I do not enjoy.

Image sources: Retro Deco basket by Eric Taylor Basketry; Barcode Ring

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