The Shakers: a world in the making

Abstract

"The Shakers, a visionary American religious community founded in the late eighteenth century, have left a lasting imprint on modern design and architecture. Their simple and timeless objects are considered paragons of good design, and their buildings are seen as precursors to functional architecture, rooted in vernacular traditions and regional materials. Generations of artists and designers worldwide have been inspired by the Shaker's minimalist, utilitarian designs as well as their principles centered around communal living, equality, and pacifism. The Shakers: A World in the Making explores the enduring relevance of Shaker values and craftsmanship. The publication is lavishly illustrated with new photographs of iconic Shaker objects and buildings as well as historic material and works by contemporary artists and designers who critically examine the Shaker ethos in today's world"-- Back cover.

Contents

Refined traditions: Shaker architecture in context / Aaron Betsky -- In the eye of eternity, a chair is just a chair / Sarah Margolis-Pineo -- Shaker labor as... / Mea Hoffmann -- Splendid isolation: on Shaker autonomy / Glenn Adamson -- Shaker objects -- "We are all looking for a more loving world" / Sharon Duane Koomler and Jerry Grant in conversation with Mea Hoffmann -- The long shadow of the Shakers / Shoshana Resnikoff -- Perfection is progressive artists and the living Shakers / Jeffrey De Blois -- Artist contributions / Amie Cunat, Chris Liljenberg Halstrøm, David Hartt, Christien Meindertsma, Kameelah Janan Rasheed, Finnegan Shannon, and Reggie Wilson -- "Religion has always been an undercurrent in modernity" / Johann Hinrich Claussen in conversation with Mateo Kries -- In community / Irene Cheng, Cauleen Smith, and Mabel O. Wilson in conversation with Hallie Ringle and Zoë Ryan