Weaving together art and craft: a practice-based investigation into artists’ integrations of art and craft, with reference to the works of Corina Lemmer and Ngoneni Khumalo-Kubheka.

Abstract

This study emerged from my creative practice, in which I used wool to knit, crochet, bind and combine with other objects and materials which in combination became art. This dissertation gives the context of my work, and explores the art and craft terminologies in detail, based on literature, investigating the origins of these concepts and how their meanings have altered across different periods and societies. To complement the practice side of the research, a case study documents a collaboration between Ngoneni Khumalo-Kubheka and Corina Lemmer, and their artworks made of repurposed clothing, fibre and beadwork. Gathering of data from multiple sources, such as interviews, the observation of craft processes, and documentation of my practices was appropriate for the qualitative method in the study.The findings of this dissertation were that art and craft methods and techniques keep evolving, including the type of materials being used and platforms to reach a wider audience. It was discovered that when people merge these techniques associated with art and craft through collaborations and their use of materials, to make rich and meaningful work across boundaries.My own work developed, from using the crafts learned in my family, and my previously separate art practices, to using unusual combinations to make new and unique pieces based on my intuition. This journey was finally combined into my exhibition which combined my works in a playful manner.