Ep 2. Landscape

Craft In America is a documentary series that explores the world of American craft and its practitioners. In season 1, episode 2 titled "Landscape," the show delves into the ways in which artists and craftspeople are inspired by the natural world around them.

The episode features several artists who draw upon landscapes as their source of inspiration. One such artist is Jim Bassler, a weaver who creates intricate tapestries that depict geological formations and natural phenomena. Bassler discusses his fascination with the colors and textures of the earth, and how he tries to capture these qualities in his work.

Another artist profiled in the episode is Susan Garson, a ceramist who creates vessels that reflect the shapes and textures of the desert landscape. Garson explains how her work is influenced by the desert environment that surrounds her studio, and how she tries to pay homage to that landscape through her craft.

The episode also features beadwork artist Teri Greeves, who draws inspiration from the landscapes of her Native American heritage. Greeves creates intricate beaded moccasins that tell stories about the natural world and the creatures that inhabit it. She explains how her craft helps her connect with her cultural identity and her ancestors.

In addition to showcasing individual artists, the episode also explores the ways in which craft traditions are passed down through generations. We meet a Navajo rug weaver who learned her craft from her mother and grandmother, and who is now teaching her own daughter the skills she learned as a child.

The episode ends with a look at the ways in which contemporary artists are responding to environmental issues. We meet a group of artists who create sculptures out of found materials, in an effort to raise awareness about the impact of human activity on the natural world.

Overall, "Landscape" is a fascinating look at the ways in which craft and the environment intersect. Through interviews with artists and glimpses into their studios, the episode explores the different ways in which people express their connection to the natural world through their craft.