Art vs Craft Reversible: A Tribute to Will Rogers, A Ropin’ Fool”

Copied Fritz Dreisbach, Art vs Craft Reversible: A Tribute to Will Rogers, "A Ropin' Fool", 1988, glass, part A: 11 346 124 14 in. (29.816.510.8 cm) part B: 11 347 346 in. (29.819.715.2 cm), Smithsonian American Art Museum, Gift of Elmerina and Paul Parkman, 2002.73.4A-B, © 1988, Fritz Dreisbach

Artwork Details

Title
Art vs Craft Reversible: A Tribute to Will Rogers, A Ropin’ Fool”
Date
1988
Dimensions
part A: 11 346 124 14 in. (29.816.510.8 cm) part B: 11 347 346 in. (29.819.715.2 cm)
Copyright
© 1988, Fritz Dreisbach
Credit Line
Gift of Elmerina and Paul Parkman
Mediums Description
glass
Classifications
Object Number
2002.73.4A-B

Artwork Description

A Tribute to Will Rogers, "A Ropin' Fool" is part of Fritz Dreisbach's series "Art vs Craft Reversible," a witty comment on the art/craft debate. When bowl-side up, the pieces serve as functional drinking vessels; flipped over, the twirling stems become purely decorative sculptures. These pieces are also called his Lariat Goblets, because of the resemblance between the stem, whose shape forms naturally during the glassblowing process, and an undulating lariat, a long stiff rope used to lasso livestock. Dreisbach crafted them in tribute to the legendary American humorist and cowboy entertainer Will Rogers. The artist's title extends the wit and humor, referring to Rogers's 1922 film Ropin' Fool, which captured his fancy rope work.