Decorative Arts
Decorative arts encompass the creation of functional and ornamental objects used in everyday life, showcasing a wide range of disciplines such as ceramics, glassworking, woodworking, and textiles. While these arts often require high levels of skill, they are distinguished from fine arts like painting and sculpture primarily due to their practical applications, although many objects serve purely decorative purposes. The field has deep historical roots, with techniques tracing back to ancient civilizations, particularly in Egypt, where artisans employed intricate ornamentation in furniture and goods.
Over time, various movements such as Art Nouveau and the Arts and Crafts movement emerged, emphasizing handcrafted quality and aesthetic simplicity, as seen in the works of influential figures like Louis Comfort Tiffany and Gustav Stickley. Today, decorative arts are experiencing a resurgence, with a growing interest in traditional craftsmanship and sustainable practices. This revival also allows for personal expression through DIY projects, with many artists selling their creations at markets and galleries. The diverse techniques and mediums available make decorative arts accessible to both hobbyists and professionals, ensuring their continued relevance in contemporary society.
Decorative Arts
The "decorative arts" refers to the creation of ornamental or functional objects for the home or for personal use. Among the disciplines included under the umbrella of decorative arts are ceramics, basketry, needlework, glassworking, metalsmithing, woodworking, and decorative painting. Although many decorative arts require a high level of skill and artistic sensibility, they are distinguished from the fine arts of painting, drawing, and sculpture because of their potential use in everyday affairs. However, many decorative objects serve only an ornamental purpose and are never employed in practical applications.
Many of the techniques used today to produce a decorative item can be traced to ancient Egypt. Early artisans employed fancy carving, parquetry, and marquetry ornamentation for furniture and small wooden goods. Objects that were veneered, gilded with gold leaf, or embellished with colored glass or lapis lazuli often defined one's wealth.
While Egyptians may have discovered glass, it was the Venetian artisans who perfected the art of glassmaking and created sophisticated vases and stained glass windows. In the mid-nineteenth century, as postal systems evolved and letter-writing became a popular pastime, Venetian craftsmen introduced the glass paperweight, a dome filled with millefiori glass designs.
The art nouveau movement of the late nineteenth century inspired Louis Comfort Tiffany (1848–1933), who combined his painting prowess with glassmaking to produce lampshades, vases, candleholders, and other identifiable items that continue to decorate American estates.
The arts and crafts movement spread from England to the United States near the turn of the twentieth century. Artisans from every discipline who were dissatisfied with mass-produced items sought a return to more personal, higher-quality handicrafts. The American furniture-maker Gustav Stickley also espoused the need for simplicity and the use of natural materials. His oak and leather chairs, known as "Mission-style" or "Craftsman-style," are often reproduced today. Although the designs are plain and the finish is unadorned, the furniture is considered decorative because of the intrinsic beauty of the wood and fine lines.
The arts and crafts movement inspired educators to found new schools, including the John C. Campbell Folk School and the Penland School of Crafts, both located in North Carolina, where the revival of Appalachian traditions played a prominent role in the resurgence of basketry, pottery, and other crafts nationwide.
Decorative art objects come in all sizes, from tiny buttons and small furniture doorknobs to king-size beds and tiled fireplaces. The most original decorative arts of today may become the collectors' items of tomorrow. Some may command a hefty price tag, as do Tiffany lamps, Dale Chihuly vases, and Gustav Stickley chairs. However, the do-it-yourselfer can create reproductions at affordable prices, or express original ideas and designs.
Techniques
Many household and personal items can be crafted in more than one medium. A bowl can be blown from glass, shaped with a wood lathe, formed with papier-mâché, or thrown on a pottery wheel. Picture frames can be enameled, carved, or crafted with stained glass. Mixed media can extend the design possibilities almost infinitely.
Some techniques are transferable. The millefiori canes perfected by glass artists centuries ago are now a standard technique borrowed by polymer clay artists. Weaving and basketry share similar techniques and fibers, which can be implemented to craft chair seats or even chairs.
Woodworking is one of the most versatile mediums for the decorative arts. Wood can be painted with a wide variety of decorative painting techniques, or left natural to show off an unusual wood grain or a sleek finish. Wooden decorative items include boxes, clocks, carving boards, music stands, bowls, vases, and furniture. Ornamental techniques include carving, inlay, marquetry, parquetry, and adding bandings or trim to edges. Additional construction techniques that define many decorative pieces include finely crafted joints, routered edges, and the use of fancy hardware.
Metalworking can be used to craft fireplace screens, railings, door handles, cabinet knobs, wall sconces, tables, and serving trays, among other items. Most designs will be formed during the forging and welding processes. Decorative techniques include chasing, punching, piercing, etching, appliqué, reticulation, and enameling.
Ceramic dishes, tiles, teapots, containers, and plant pots are just a few ideas that can be made from clay or porcelain. Decorative ceramics are usually distinguished by the artistically glazed or painted finish, but an unusual shape or other design elements can be ornamental as well.
Each medium requires the ability to use certain tools and will necessitate learning a set of skills. Some crafts are easier to learn than others. Projects completed by novices should not be judged against those done by fine artisans who have likely been at the craft for years, if not decades.
Trends
The decorative arts have undergone a revival in the twenty-first century, with glassmaking and decorative painting attracting perhaps the widest following of all. Interest in traditional techniques and time-saving techniques share the limelight.
Environmentally conscious woodworkers have been recycling woods from barns, old furniture, and other sources, which not only decrease the need for new growth, but can also offer a rich patina not available in new woods.
Decorative Arts for Fun vs. Profit
Talented decorative artists can sell their wares at craft fairs, in arts and crafts galleries, and in a variety of retail establishments related to interior decorating. Custom work, as well as teaching, writing, and entrepreneurship, offer additional career opportunities.
Learning More
Organizations
American Art Pottery Association <https://aapa.info/>
American Craft Council <https://craftcouncil.org/>
The Enamelist Society <http://www.enamelistsociety.org/>
The Furniture Society <https://furnsoc.org/>
Glass Art Society <https://www.glassart.org/>
Books
Darty, Linda. The Art of Enameling: Techniques, Projects, Inspiration. Asheville, NC: Lark, 2005.
Eberle, Bettina. Creative Glass Techniques: Fusing, Painting, Lampwork. Asheville, NC: Lark, 2005.
Fine Woodworking Editors. Designing Furniture. Newtown, CT: Taunton, 2004.
Sentance, Bryan. Basketry: A World Guide to Traditional Techniques. London: Thames & Hudson, 2007.
Trench, Lucy. Materials and Techniques in the Decorative Arts: An Illustrated Dictionary. Chicago: Univ. of Chicago, 2000.