LoadingNew Craft debate
There is an interesting debate about traditional vs. new craft surfacing within the DIY craft community. It was sparked by this post by Annie of Imogene. Annie writes about her recent experience at the “D.I.Y., Websites and Energy: The New Alternative Craft” presentation at the Society of North American Goldsmiths (SNAG) conference. Some of the original post may be shocking and upsetting to DIY crafters, so make sure to read through the comments as well — the presenters respond to Annie’s post and everyone seems to be interested in using the opportunity to cross barriers. It’s a meaty read to be sure, but one that’s important for anyone who cares about DIY crafting as a movement.
We’re eager to hear your reactions: What do you think about the new craft vs. traditional craft discussion? Is it DIY’s aim to replace traditionally educated artists and designers? What do traditional crafters need to understand about alt-crafting? Post your thoughts in the comments.
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Also, I have to give some props to Andrew Wagner, the director of the American Craft Council. Andrew posts his thoughts on SNAG, and the topic in general, here. In Annie’s comments, Wagner also mentions “Your Design Here” a Print magazine story about how DIY design is affecting professional designers — an article I randomly happened to read last week and haved blogged about on Phantom Limb today.
Posted by Stephanie on March 18th, 2008 in Web sites, Business
Tags: diy, handmade debate, imogene, new craft, new craft vs. traditional craft, SNAG, the great craft divide
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Comments: 5
Comments
Comment from Andrew Wagner
Time: Mar 21, 2008, 9:57 am
Hello there! Thanks for posting about the on-going conversations concerning “old vs. new” or whatever it may be exactly! I posted a comment on your thoughts about that Virginia Postrel article in Print. I’m always interested in that piece for whatever reason so I was glad to see someone else so taken with it (albeit in a different way). Anyhow, thanks again for the posts etc!
Comment from LishDDorset
Time: Mar 22, 2008, 8:05 pm
Andrew- Thanks so much for taking the time to check out our blog! This debate is a good one and I’m always fascinated to see how it progresses.
Comment from Stephanie
Time: Mar 23, 2008, 7:18 am
Hi Andrew, Thanks for stopping by! 
I finally had a chance to reply to you over at Phantom Limb.
Lish, I’d love to hear your thoughts over there as well — I know we’ve talked about the use of “not your grandma’s craft fair” …
Comment from Marc
Time: Mar 25, 2008, 2:29 pm
I would love to see more alternative crafters and traditional crafters working together. I’ve always dreamed of living with an Amish family for a summer and raising a hand hewn barn. It would be such a great experience. How interesting it would be if there was some sort of grant program or internship program that set these kind of collaborations and apprenticeships up.
Comment from Andrew Wagner
Time: Mar 27, 2008, 3:17 pm
Hey there Stephanie and everyone else…just posted a reply to Stephanie’s reply at Phantom Limb! Ha! O.K., hope all is well…!
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