Master Your Craft

Tien Chiu

Schiffer Publishing 2016

Hard cover, full colour, 173 pages.

REVIEW BY KAY FAULKNER

Artisans often concentrate solely on the perfection of technique in their practice, but there is another side in being successful. This book fills a much needed void and in fact it covers all the stages in developing and maintaining a successful studio practice in a clear and logical progression. No matter whether you are a craftsman, maker, artist or artisan there are common issues.

The titles of the ten chapters identifies exactly what is covered within this book and the sequence of information. They are: What you need to start designing, The creative cycle, Finding Inspiration, Functional design, Visual design, Getting started, Practical Considerations, Constructing your piece, Evaluating your piece, Evolving your design, Celebrations and contemplations, Sharpening your skills, Finding your voice and Selling your work.

The information within each chapter follows a similar format where specific concepts are identified and explored. These concepts are practical identifiable aspects that relate to the chapter’s theme. Each of the concepts is supported by insights supplied by other artisans including glassworkers, ceramicists, woodworkers, fibre artists and metalworkers, many of whom are well recognised in the arts community. Where appropriate Tien also draws on her own personal experience of a designer and hand weaver. Interspersed throughout the book are also eighteen exercises for the reader to do. In this way the concepts outlined are supported in several formats creating a rich and diverse explanation facilitating understanding through different approaches.

It is an easy to use book with a standard use of headings that clearly identifies the concepts, the insights and the exercises. It is also a refreshingly practical book in presentation and use of language. The information provided is comprehensive.

While Tien herself is a weaver, in no way does this mean that this book is just for weavers or even only fibre artists. Her profession of project manager in industry however certainly does contribute to the success of this book.

Support material at the end of the book includes a list of recommended reading as well as biographies of the twenty two artists and including Archie Brennan (tapestry), Jane Dunnewold (surface design), Kaffe Fassett (colourist), Ana Lisa Hedstrom (shibori) and Paul Marioni (glass) to name but a few. The inclusion of insights by these well qualified and renowned twenty two artists and a forward by Christopher H. Amundsen, Executive Director of the American Crafts Council, certainly add to this book’s credentials and depth of information.

I was interested to see whether Master Your Craft wold be suitable for all mediums and for artisans of all levels and across the world. Tien has successfully written a book that has something for everyone. It is certainly not limited to any one field or any one continent. It is highly recommended as providing invaluable information on “strategies for designing, making and selling artisan work.”