Humn 11 ART APPRECIATION

VISAYAS STATE UNIVERSITY

Department of Arts, Languages, and Literature
Lesson Summary
Lesson 3.1: Artists, Artisans, and Key Players in the Art Market
Throughout history, presumably, even from the earliest dates, human civilization has evolved together
with its arts and culture. Self-expression and the urge to create are significant forces that keep humans from
developing and innovating things in the forms of arts and crafts. This lesson focuses on the most essential
elements of any work of art, the artist and artisan. It also introduces other key players who take part in the art
market performing varied roles in the distribution and preservation of artworks.
Learning Outcomes
1. Differentiate artist and artisan through their works, medium, and technique;
2. Define the role of managers, curators, buyers, collectors, and art dealers in the art world;
3. Identify local artists and artisans in the community who contributed in the proliferation of arts and crafts.
Motivation Question
In your opinion, should people view artists as greater than artisans or the other way around?
Discussion
For some time, creativity has fueled people’s desire to create things based on what they perceive in their
surroundings or even how they perceive their environment. Early forms of arts could be seen in caves depicting
life and the day-to-day struggles of people. Tracing its development, we have seen how arts flourished becoming
not only a form of self-expression but one’s own way to survive. Artists and artisans’ works have become
embedded in the place's culture, making them tangible representations of the abstract notion of civilization.
Today, with the advent of technology, arts and crafts exist in digital forms. We see how from simple cave
marks, arts and crafts have developed into complex and modern forms with modern technology integration. We
see arts like dynamic painting, 2D and 3D computer graphics, digital photography and the like.
Who is an artist?
Generally, the term “artist” refers to any art
practitioner like musicians, writer, painter, sculptor and the
like, who indirectly makes or creates functional arts with
aesthetic value using imagination. With this, we have in our
sights paintings, sculptures, dances, music, literary pieces, and
so on, to provoke our thoughts, ideas, and emotions necessary
to discover ourselves and our being.
Artists are creative individuals who use their
imagination and skills to communicate in art form. They use
the materials of an art to solve visual problems. Artists look to
many sources for inspiration. Some look forward to their natural
and cultural environment for ideas; others look within
themselves for creative motivation.
Artists exhibit the courage to take risks.
They can see their surroundings in new and unique
ways. They can work seriously for some time just to
reach their goals. Some of them are called folk-
artists because they did not undergo proper
training or education.
Who is an artisan?
Another term related to artisan is craftsman.
They are carpenters, carvers, plumbers,
blacksmiths, weavers, embroiders, and the like,
who produce directly functional or decorative arts. Artisans help us to meet our fundamental needs, for
example food, clothing, dwelling, furniture, and kitchen utensils; they make everything that makes our life easy.
The artisan’s works are useful, relevant, and essential in our everyday life. They serve us for a long time, supplying
us directly functional arts.
Basically, an artisan is a physical worker who
makes objects with his or her hands using his skills,
experience, and ability to create things of great beauty,
as well as usefulness. The artist in the other hand, is
someone devoted only to
the creative part, making
visually pleasant work only
for the gratification and
appreciation of the viewer
but with no practical value.
Just like the artists, the
artisans learn skills and techniques from some other artists but eventually, both
artists and artisans develop their own unique style.
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Key Players in the Art Market

As an economic system, art market is dependent not only on supply and
demand but also on the fabrication of a work’s assumed value in the future both
monetary and cultural. The art market is a bit unclear since artists just to make
money, and buyers often have no idea of the value of their purchase.
(1)Curator
Also known as manager or overseer, and usually a keeper of
cultural heritage institution (e.g. galley, museum, library, or archive), is a
content specialist tasked with an institution’s collections in choosing art
to be displayed in a museum, organizing art exhibitions in galleries or
public places, researching artists, and writing catalogs, and involved with
the interpretation of heritage. A curator should be organized, passionate,
knowledgeable, adept at multitasking, and proficient at writing to be
successful.
(2)Art Buyer
An art buyer is a professional who is expert in art, and may
look for talents like an art director for an advertising agency, or who
may look for an art for a collector or a company.
(3)Art Dealer
An art dealer is a person or a company that buys and sells
works of art. Art dealers often study the history of art before
starting their careers. They have to understand the business aside
from the art world. They keep up with the market trends and are
knowledgeable about the style of art that people want to buy. They
figure out how much they should pay for a piece and then estimate
the resale price. To determine the artwork’s value, dealers closely
inspect the objects or paintings and compare the fine details with
similar pieces.
(4)Private Collection
This is a personal owned collection of
works, usually a collection of art. In a museum or art-
gallery environment, the term signifies that a certain
work is not owned by the institution, but is on loan
from an individual or organization, either for
temporary exhibition or for the long term. The source
is usually from an Art Collector, although it could be
from a school, organization, from bank or from other
private company or any institution.

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Lesson 3.2: The Creative Process and the Recognition and Award for Artist and Artisan
Lesson Summary
Making a masterpiece involves a process. It is not something done overnight with no efforts intended
and no one becomes an artist instantly. As Ralph Waldo Emerson famously quoted: “Every artist was first an
amateur.” This lesson deals with the creative process as presented by Robert Fritz. Moreover, it looks into the
two distinct awards given among Filipino artists: Gawad sa Manlilikhang Bayan (GAMABA), National Living
Treasures Award, and the National Artists Award.
Learning Outcomes
1. Identify the creative process according to Robert Fritz;
2. Differentiate medium from technique;
3. Recognize and critically discuss the function of state sponsorship through the National Artists Award and
the Gawad sa Manlilikha ng Bayan (GAMABA); and
4. Note the contribution of some Filipino artists and artisans in Philippine art tradition and culture.
Motivation Question
Is being an artist a natural consequence of birth or is developed through time?
Discussion
Creating an artwork is a process. Robert Fritz enumerated some steps one undergoes in the creative
process. He also emphasized that creating is a skill which can be learned and developed. These steps are not
formula but indications to guide our actions. These stages are presented below.
Creative Process in Creating an Artwork
Robert Fritz

1. Conceive the result you want to create. Creating something requires a vision or a goal of what you want to
create. Creation begins at the end. Everything starts with an idea of what we want to create, of what we want to
have and manifest.
2. Know what currently exists. There are different artworks created every day on various and almost all subjects.
You have to make research or gather knowledge of what has already been created to ensure originality and
novelty in your work.
3. Take actions. Having a very good idea is not enough. You must do something to realize that idea and start
making your art. Taking actions though may generate criticisms, but you have to continue learning from your
mistakes and even start all over again.
4. Develop creativity. Every time you finish or accomplish something, you gain fresh and new thoughts and
knowledge of your own creative process. Increase your creativity and skill to visualize what you desire to create.
5. Learn the rhythms of the creative process. There are three fundamental stages in every creative process:
germination, assimilation, and completion.
Three Stages in the Creative Process
1. Germination (Idea)
This is the moment when you initially conceive a new project to work in your life. It is a very
remarkable time of envisioning the future and it requires you to make wise steps to move forward. As you
plant your seeds of your creation in this stage, you have to choose and select the specific things that you
want to do. With this, we mean that you have to choose some things and leave some other things out. It
is important that you choose well and will have to take in your power and not to give in to circumstances.
Though it may be difficult for you, still you have to choose what you want.

2. Assimilation
This stage of the creative process is very crucial. Here, much of the planning takes place. You
have to internalize and assimilate or incorporate the idea you want to create. Then, you have to plan,
analyze and cultivate it with all the available resources. The project you once thought begins to
consciously or unconsciously manifest in you and in everything you do. Every idea you have and the
connection you establish acts in your vision, making it more tangible, giving it life.
Assimilation stage follows an organic path having its own rhythms and needs. Sometimes, things
seem to be working in order and harmony, also, sometimes it looks chaotic and difficult to manage. On
this, do not try to intervene to change the process or adapt it to your convenience. You will likely be
unsuccessful and put the whole project in danger.

3. Completion
This is the last stage of the creative process. Here, you will begin finishing your project, giving it
a final shape before presenting it to your audience. However, this is a challenging time for you
considering that your energy may be less and likely dispersed with a new vision. Just set a time for you to
accomplish your project and do not get entangled in small and never-ending details.
And in concluding your project, the best and beautiful way to do it is to celebrate. Share your work
to other people and the happiness you have in finishing the project. For after this, you will be ready to
start anew.
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Three Stages in Art Making

Art making can be associated with art exploration, concept development, and art production. In the
creative process, the artist undergoes three stages of experience: preproduction, production, and
postproduction.
1. Preproduction or subject development – This ends when the planning ends, and the content starts being
produced.
2. Production or medium manipulation – This is a method of joining diverse material inputs and unimportant
inputs (plans, know-how) to make something for consumption (the output). It is the act of creating output, a
good or service that has significance and contributes to the utility of individuals.
3. Postproduction (completion) or exhibition – Once an artwork is finished, it will be displayed, circulated,
and performed for the audience and public to see or watch.
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Medium and Technique

Medium or Media Technique

materials which are used by artists to create an an artist’s ability and knowledge or technical know-
artwork how in manipulating the medium

Through these materials, an idea or concept remains in the mind of the artist. Transforming medium into
a work of art from its raw state, however, is challenging. Technique is what separates one artist form the rest
because it is their individual way of manipulating the materials to achieve desired effect. Making an artwork
requires technical competence. The ability to manipulate is the driving force on the birthing of a new form or idea.
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Recognition and Award for Artist and Artisan
1. Gawad sa Manlilikhang Bayan (GAMABA) National Living Treasures Award

This award is given to a Filipino citizen or group of Filipino citizens engaged in any traditional
art that is uniquely Filipino and whose unique skills are considered to manifest a high level of technical
and artistic excellence which the present generations are practicing in the community with similar degree
of technical and artistic competence.

It was in 1992 that this award was

institutionalized through RA No. 7335 (Manlilikha
ng Bayan). The one in charge of the implementation
is the National Commission for Culture and the
Arts (NCCA) which is the highest policymaking and
coordination body of the country for culture and the
arts.
How does one become a Manlilikha ng Bayan?
The candidate must possess the following to become a
Manlilikha ng Bayan:
a. He/she is an inhabitant of an indigenous/ traditional cultural community anywhere in the Philippines
that has preserved indigenous customs, beliefs, rituals, and traditions and/or has syncretized
whatever the external elements that have influenced it.
b. He/she must have engaged in a folk art tradition that has been in existence and documented for at
least fifty (50) years.
c. He/she must have consistently performed or produced works of superior and distinctive quality
over a significant period.
d. He/she must possess a mastery of tools and materials needed by the art and must have an
established reputation in the art as a master and maker of works of extraordinary technical quality.
e. He/she must have passed on and/or will pass on to the other members of the community their skills
in the folk art from which the community is traditionally known.
A traditional artist who possesses all the qualities of a Manlilikha ng Bayan candidate but because age or
infirmity has left him/her incapable of teaching further his/her craft may still be recognized if:
a. He/she has created a significant body of works and/or has consistently displayed excellence in the
practice of his/her art, thus achieving important contributions to its development
b. He/she has been instrumental in the revitalization of his/her community’s artistic tradition.
c. He/she has passed on to the other members of the community skills in the folk art for which the
community is traditionally known.
d. His/her community has recognized him/her as a master and teacher of his/her craft.
Duties and Responsibilities of Awardees
The Manlilikha ng Bayan is a link between the past, in which his/her traditional folk art found fertile soil
for growth, and the future, during which he/she seeks his/her art to be permanently sustained. It becomes his/her
responsibility, therefore, to undertake the following:
(a) To transfer the skills of his/her traditional folk art to the younger generation through apprenticeship
and such other training methods as are found to be effective;
(b) To cooperate with the implementing agency, as provided for in Section 7 of this Act, in the promotion
and propagation of his/her traditional folk arts;
(c) To donate to the National Museum a sample or copy of his/her work.
Below are the recipients of the GAMABA Award:
1. Ginaw Bilog (d. 2003), artist and poet, Mansalay, Oriental Mindoro Poetry (Ambahan), 1993
2. Masino Intaray (d. 2013), musician and epic chanter, Brookes Point, Palawan, Poetry (Kulilal and Bagit) Music
(Bsal/Gong), 1993
3. Samaon Sulaiman (d. 2001), musician, Mama sa Pano, Maguindanao Music (Kutyapi), 1993
4. Lang Dulay (d. 2015), textile weaver, Lake Sebu, South Cotabato, Weaving (T’nalak), 1998
5. Salinta Monon (d. 2009), weaver, Bansalan, Davao del Sur, Weaving (Abaca-ikat/Inabal), 1998
6. Alonzo Saclag (d. 2009), musician and dancer, Lubugan, Kalinga Province, Music and Dance (Kalinga) 2000
7. Frederico Caballero, epic chanter, Sulod-Bukidnon, Iloilo, Poetry/Epic Chant (Sugidanon), 2000
8. Uwang Ahadas, musician, Lamitan, Basilan, music (Yakan specifically Kulintang, kwitangan kayum gabbang,
agung, and tuntungan), 2000
9. Darhata Sawabi, (d. 2005), weaver, Parang, Sulu, weaving (Pis Syabit), 2004
10. Eduardo Mutuc, metalsmith/metal sculptor, Apalit, Pampanga, Metalwork (BRronze and Silver), 2004
11. Haja Amina Appi (d. 2013), weaver, Tandubas, Tawi-Tawi, Weaving (Mat), 2004
12. Teofilo Garcia, casque maker, San Quintin, Abra, Vasque Making (Tabungaw), 2004
13. Magdalena Gamayo, master weaver, Pinili, Ilocos Norte, Weaving (Inabel), 2012
14. Ambalang Ausalin, master weaver, Lamitan, Basilan, Weaving (Yakan tennun), 2016
15. Estelita Tumandan Bantilan, master weaver, Polomolok, South Cotabato, Weaving (Ikat), 2016

Retrieved from: NCCA Facebook Page

 2. National Artists of the Philippines

This order is considered to be the highest national recognition for

individuals who contributed to the development of Philippine arts. This
is administered by both the National Commission for Culture and the
Arts and the Cultural Center of the Philippines. After the
recommendation from both institutions, the President of the
Philippines grants this award to an artist. It was instituted in 1972 when
Presidential Proclamation No. 1001, s. 1972 was enacted to
recognize Filipinos who made exceptional contributions to Philippine
arts and letters. Painter Fernando Amorsolo was awarded the same
year, making him the first National Artist.
The following are the criteria set by the National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA) and the
Cultural Center of the Philippines (CCP) for the Order of National Artists.
1. Living artists who were Filipino citizens at the time of nomination, as well as those who died after the
establishment of the award in 1972 but were Filipino citizens at the time of their death;
2. artists who, through the content and form of their works, have contributed to building the Filipino sense of
nationhood;
3. artists who have pioneered a mode of creative expression or style, thus, earning distinction and making an
impact on succeeding generations of artists;
4. artists who have created a substantial body of work and/or consistently displayed excellence in the
practice of their art form, thus, enriching artistic expression or style; and
5. artists who enjoy broad acceptance through:
a. prestigious national and/or international recognition, such as the Gawad CCP Para sa Sining, CCP
Thirteen Artists Award, and NCCA Alab ng Haraya;
b. critical acclaim and/or reviews of their works;
c. respect and esteem from peers (Briefer on the Order of National Artists,” n.d)
To date, there are a total of 66 awardees from the various art forms. Some of them were awarded
posthumously (after death) while others were able to receive their award while still living.