Arts and Craft Totem by Jo Murto, Walnut, Pine, Ash, Padauk, Maple, and Alcohol Ink
Artist Statement
Every piece of art tells a story, and every artist is a storyteller. Arts & Crafts Totem was created with the intention of recognizing and celebrating the women of the Arts & Crafts Movement.
According to Marian Draper in her November 2020 paper, The Arts and Crafts Movement
An examination of the historical, social, and economic impacts of Arts and Crafts Architecture on the middle class in the US, “The Arts and Crafts movement marked some key social reforms in society. The first change we see …was inclusion of women in the craft community. The movement allowed for women to turn away from their home activities such as needle point and look towards craft opportunities. Not only could women receive a craft education, but they could also earn an income from their craft works.”
This history has touched my heart. As a young girl in the 60’s and 70’s, my carpenter father never considered teaching me to use the tools of his trade. My wooden creations were made covertly while he was on job sites. I knew how to pick the lock of his shop to gain access to hand tools. My pieces had to be my secret and were never celebrated. It is gratifying and humbling to have a piece in a collection for women artists who created despite the obstacles. Being seen by the arts community of Colorado Springs is a great honor.
