The Birmingham age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1902-1950, 1909-10-21

wonderful basketry. Flowers and roots
furnished the deyes that colored them.
In fact, all primitive people use the ma
terials that grow at hand for their weav-
ing and other useful arts, and thus make
their work distinctive. Indeed, few of us
know anything about forestry, and there
fore miss the beauty of the forest woods
as to grain, texture and COLOR
Then, as a nation, we are not very
appreciative of these native materials"
I observed as I heard Miss Hoods ideas
on the subject
I'VE are only beginning to appreciate
these things from an economical stand
point" she answered. 1.-The wanton waste
of the materials we have mis-used or de-
stroyed is enormous. The teaching of
the crafts is beginning to open our eyes
as to the use of woods, metals. leather,
clay, and all the materials with which
we are surrounded. My idea is to strive
to attain all the natural beauty of the
material itself and make art assist
nature in bringing out the beauty
And how do you start In bringing
about these results?' I asked.
1.-The craftsman first plans a useful ar
ticle, then beauties it as much as the
material and the subject admit Of" she
replied In fact the real artist can
and indeed with the ancient Greeks, every
art with his craft
1.-THE home-maker, l imagine. is the
one who would be most benefited by
arts and crafts I suggested as I heard
Miss Hood speak of the practicability of
the work.
Yes, it should especially appeal to
them" she replied enthusiastically.
For who does not desire a beautiful,
attractive home? And where else can in
IL one cannot become an accomplished
craftswoman, the study of 1t gives one
the power to appreciate good workman
ship, good design and good color To
know how to select the most suitable
and the best from the works of others.
1t develops the practical side of home
furnishings. An object that has only for
its existence, beauty, Is usually too cost
ly for the average person to possess, and
we live above all things in a practical
age. and are practical people Too much
of the merely useful, commonplace ex-
istence would have the effect Of Mario wing
us as too many luxuries make a nation
effete but the study of arts and crafts
produces the combination which Is very
necessary"
And has your work to do with all sorts
of materials?" l asked.
"Oh, yes. I tool leather, carve wood,
and work with metals. the repousse efrects
being charming" said Miss Hood as she
showed me some very beautiful pierced
brass articles, among them being lamp
of exquisite artistry and desk set that
was very artistically done.
And where did you learn all this
work." asked.
'T studied principally In New York."
she replied, lat the School of Applied
Design. Columbia. and the University of
New York"
And, of course, you do drawing and
painting of all kinds?' I questioned.
''Oh, yes" said Miss Hood, 1T teach
and take orders for all sorts Of work, in
Guiding charcoal sketches, water colors
and china painting And one thing that I
try to teach my pupils, Is to learn draw
ing first before they begin other things
because it Is the most important of all
things in this connection
Whatever defects I may have had in
my own training" concluded mss Hood,
IT always try to obviate with my pupils.
and as we can only learn by experience.
1 feel that mine In arts and crafts has.
been quite broad and comprehensive and
of great advantage In my work.