John Ruskin, writing about 'The Nature of Gothic', introduces the very useful idea of 'Servile Ornamentation'. This is ornamentation 'in which the execution or power of the inferior workman is entirely subjected to the intellect of the higher'. This kind of ornamentation is characterised by symmetry, simple geometrical shapes and 'perfection'. By the latter Ruskin means perfect finish and regularity not that the ornamentation is aesthetically good. He was very conscious of the social conditions under which it was produced. The 'servile ornamentation' was produced by slaves following the rigid dictates of their masters. They were not allowed any freedom of expression.
He contrasts this with the art and architecture of the 'Gothic' style where craftsmen were able to show their individuality even if their execution was not perfect. Even if Ruskin's charactersisation of different styles of art is historically suspect, the idea that ornamentation should be the expression of a free spirit rather than a slave or an oppressed worker is one that is fundamental to British craftworkers.
Unfortunately there is still plenty of 'servile ornament' out there. A visit to any shopping mall shows that it is, in fact, the norm. Mass produced goods from the factories of Far East show it in abundance. It is especially evident in the jewellery that is on sale. This is why I get angry about factory made jewellery sneaking into Etsy and other on-line shops. [See previous post].
Some people say to me, 'Oh, but making that stuff gives people jobs in those countries'. That's the same argument that Victorian factory owners voiced: 'We're giving these people jobs!' 'Jobs', as though that justifies everything. 'These people', 'Those countries', there's an implicit racism there. It's all right for them to work in bad conditions in sweat shops. If we were subject to those conditions we'd be outraged.
Sorry, I'm starting to rant again. I'll shut up and go and make something.
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