Sustaining Crafts Reflecting On The Role Of Collaborative And Studio-Based Practice

Craft involves a rigorous process to convert a material into a product that has utility as well as an aesthetic quality associated with it. These processes have been developed over time and generations. However, traditional craft, now and again, appears to be divorced from innovative practice and the generation of ideas and, thus, inhibits the cognitive and the conceptual development. Also, at times, some crafts communities are confined to the boundaries of their region and thus, remain unexposed to the globalised world. This offers a great threat to craftspeople and pushes these deep-rooted traditional handmade products out, replacing them with mass-produced, factory-made, mechanized goods. However, collaborative and studio-based practice models can help bring awareness amongst craftspeople about trending designs and new techniques for meeting the demand of the variety-seeking consumers.

- Lipi Agarwal

Collaboration based model works on the concept of collaborating knowledge in the form of design aesthetics and skill involved in the practice. It can be seen as an interface between the past and the present, the traditional and the contemporary, to meet the needs of modern living. It led to design innovation by amalgamating traditional craft and digital technology. Also, during the collaboration between craft-community and designers, the craftspeople are exposed to new fabrication methods, use of new materials and are acquainted with the new products demanded by the market.