Assignment #2: Meditations on Craft
Craft is a term that has been used for centuries and has evolved over time. Craft can be viewed and interpreted in many ways, for example craft can be referred to as a technique or skill used to create something such as glassblowing. It can also refer to the physical act of making something by hand, such as pottery and woodworking. British scholar Richard Sennett argues that craft is a form of embodied knowledge that is acquired through practice and experience, he writes that “craft is the capacity to work well with materials and tools, to transform them into things that are useful and beautiful” (Sennett, 2008). This emphasises the importance of the skill in crafting and the time it takes to develop those skills.
One of the main features of craft is its handmade nature. Richard Sennett points out that the practice of craft requires a deep level of engagement with materials and techniques, and a commitment to refining one’s abilities through practice and repetition (Sennett, 2008). The emphasis on the practice and repetition of is something that makes craft stand out in comparison to other forms of making, where the effort is more focused on standardisation.
The definition of craft is something that is certainly changing and evolving as time goes on. When simply googling the word craft the definition produced by Oxford Dictionary is “an activity involving a special skill at making things with your hands” (‘Definition of craft, noun’, 2023) Where it was previously measured by the final hand sculpted product, it is now more openly recognised to be the process in which the creative artefact is made, which in my opinion is almost more important that the final product. Another change is the notion that craft is strictly all handmade but in these modern times it’s almost impossible to create something completely by hand, even within the clay making world, the clay is moulded by hands but is also aided by the electronic turntable. Music is a craft that I believe has not been given the recognition it deserves, beautiful noises and melodies are created by instruments which are given its power by the human hand, and then elevated through the use of technologies.
Craft plays an important role in contemporary society. It has become a popular hobby for many people, and there is a growing appreciation for handmade objects and traditional crafts. Craft has also become an important part of the cultural economy, craftspeople selling their work online through websites such as Etsy and at local markets (Krugh, 2014). With the current market wanting more sustainable and ethical products, many people seek out handmade, locally produced goods as an alternative to mass-produced products.
In conclusion, craft is a complex term that encompasses a wide range of activities and practices. It is important for craft to be recognised as the artistic journey an artist goes on to create the product and refine their craft rather than the craft product itself. Craft will always remain an important part of society and culture.
References:
‘Definition of craft, noun’ 2023, Oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com, viewed <https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/craft_1#:~:text=craft->.
Krugh, M 2014, ‘Joy in Labour: The Politicization of Craft from the Arts and Crafts Movement to Etsy’, Canadian Review of American Studies, vol. 44, no. 2, pp. 281–301.
Sennett, R 2009, The Craftsman, Penguin UK.