The Intent of “Functional Art”

This starfish tray is on antique wood from an old Victorian house and wrapped in reclaimed beach fencing: coastal art while serving drinks and snacks to guests.

​The main focus of what is created by New England Good Life is functional art. This involves having something that is both visually interesting and that is interactive. In fact, functional art central to why these pieces are created in the first place.
 
There are countless versions of beautiful artwork to be found. But sometimes when they’ve been hung on the wall long enough, you can walk past them and they start to become more invisible. Functional art, on the other hand, is something that serves a purpose. You interact with that art. People engage with it.
 
Serving trays, for example, are made so that they can be hung on the wall when not in use. You can admire them when you walk past. But when you have that dinner party, they can become a focal point. The trays can serve up dips, cheeses, or glasses of wine. And they can become their own story, allowing you to share your discovery, why the compass rose spoke to you, and the fun of using it over time.

Whether on the whaling ships of centuries past or on your own boat or patio, cribbage is a fun way for Cape Codders to pass the time.

​Cribbage boards, as another example, can allow old friends or family members to engage in a casual game after the beach or during the quiet of the offseason. Like any cribbage board, you’ll have your chance to peg for points. But the hand-painted sperm whale on rough wood from the 1800s sea captain's house, sanded carefully to avoid splinters while maintaining its character, becomes a conversation topic about the game's seafaring origins. It connects you to the artwork, each other, and history in a subtle added way.

So, while some of what gets made is meant to be hung, such as to still use good, antique wood that isn’t suitable for other uses, creating functional art promotes ongoing appreciation of the piece and the time-worn wood that’s been rejuvenated, and adds to the ways you may connect with those who also use it. While art is both personal and subjective, functional art can be a shared experience that adds to the appreciation of the piece and your relationships.