The Craft and Art of Scenic Design

Introduction

Craft (and Art)

The terms craft and art sometimes seem to be in opposition. Craft often sounds inferior to art, as in a “craft project” as opposed to a work of “fine art.” Art often sounds full of mysterious, intangible qualities while craft seems to consist of definable goals and practice-able steps.

Most of any art form is craft. When work is of an extremely high level of craft, it can create a spark of connection with its viewer. When this spark occurs, all the sweat and worry, all the craft transcends into a moment of surprise, a flash of meaning.

All aspects of the scene designer’s work can be approached as craft. The challenge is to recognize the importance of all the decisions that need to be made. A well-chosen chair placed ...