Lectures by Robert Shaw

LECTURES

POWERPOINT LECTURE PRESENTATIONS

I am currently offering the following workshops and PowerPoint lecture presentations, which are based on my critically acclaimed books. Workshops can be designed to fit your time needs, from a few hours to an entire day. Like my books, my lectures are both visually stunning and richly informative. Each PowerPoint slide lecture runs approximately 45 minutes followed by a question and answer period.
I am also happy to sign any of my books that attendees want to bring along.

Any of the lectures can be expanded into a longer and more intensive seminar program, and I can also work with you to prepare a lecture specific to your programmatic needs and interests. I have lectured at the American Museum of Folk Art, the American Craft Museum, the Houston Museum of Natural Science, Sotheby's, and many other institutions. I also often lecture at exhibition openings and collectors' meetings. I do still have openings in 2009, so contact me ASAP for bookings.

Quilts: A Living Tradition
The greatest quilt revival of all time has been going on since the 1970s, and the idea of the American quilt has been taken up and interpreted by women (and men) all over the world. This survey of recent quilts, quiltmakers and trends explores styles from the traditional to the art quilt and includes stunning examples by Japanese, European, African-American, Native American and Hawaiian quilters.

The Art of the Quilt

According to noted art critic Hilton Kramer, "... The suspicion persists that the most authentic visual articulation of the American imagination in the last century is to be found in the so-called 'minor' arts,- especially in the visual crafts that had their origins in the workaday functions of regional life." Although quilts are primarily utilitarian objects, the craftsmanship and artistry of the best examples has long been recognized. This survey presents an overview of the remarkable aesthetic achievements of America's quiltmakers from the 1700s to the present day.

A History of the Art Quilt
This lecture traces the development of the art quilt, exploring its roots in traditional quiltmaking and other textile and visual arts and then looking at the ground-breaking early work of such innovators as Jean Ray Laury, Charles Counts, Joan Lintault, Therese May, Radka Donnell, Molly Upton, Susan Hoffman, Nancy Halpern, Michael James, and Nancy Crow.

Hawaiian Quilts
Bringing elements of their Polynesian heritage to the American quilt, nineteenth century Hawaiians created a distinctive and beautiful art form that is still actively practiced throughout the islands. Hawaii's stunning quilts capture the essence of the islands' overwhelming natural beauty as well as its people's legendary grace and charm. In a land where a quilt is anything but a necessity, quiltmaking took on entirely new and different meanings. This lecture traces the history of the islands through its quilts and explores the driving forces behind the designs of these extraordinary creations.

Quilts: The Democratic Art

Quilts are the quintessential American folk art, known and loved throughout the world. This survey history of quilt traditions examines the bed quilt's origins in Europe, its development in nineteenth century America, and its deep social, ethnic and gender meanings. The comprehensive presentation includes outstanding examples by Amish, African-American, Native American and Hawaiian quilters.

American Baskets
Native Americans made some of the most highly regarded baskets in the world, and their work was complemented by the distinctive traditions of later settlers. This presentation offers an overview of the history and aesthetics of baskets made by Indians in the Southwest, California, the Pacific Northwest, and other regions of the country, and also explores the baskets of rural New England, Nantucket, Appalachia, the Shakers, the Pennsylvania Dutch, and African-Americans of the Southeast coast

Great Guitars

We are living in a golden age of instrument making; there are more first rate luthiers at work today than ever before. This presentation offers a look at the extraordinary creations of contemporary artisans around the world ,prefaced by a pictorial history of the guitar, from it origins in Arabia and Renaissance Europe to the explosion of design variations by 20th century American luthiers and manufacturers. Included are guitars by such renowned luthiers as Christian Fredrich Martin , Orville Gibson, the Larson brothers, Hermann Weissenborn, John D'Angelico, James D'Aquisto, John Monteleone, and Grit Laskin, and acoustic and electric guitars by Martin, Gibson, Washburn, Gretsch, Fender, Paul Reed Smith, Parker, and other manufacturers..

Tools of Deception: American Bird Decoys

Bird decoys have been basic hunter's tools for centuries and are the only American folk art indigenous to this continent. These humble tools are now coveted by collectors for their sculptural beauty and historical associations. This presentation explores the history and significance of American decoys, and offers an overview of major carvers and their works.

My standard fee for a lecture presentation is $1000 plus expenses. Fees for multiple lectures, keynotes or symposia are negotiable depending upon content and length. Book signings can also be arranged at no extra cost. Please don't hesitate to call or write with any questions you might have.

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