The Disappearance of the Artisan: A Millennium Treasure Threatened by Technological Progress
Reading a comment on Linkedin by Maurizio Riva, Riva1920 CEO, reflecting on the future of the craft, inspired me to delve into the topic of the “disappearance of craftsmanship.” In a world where even designers seem to be losing their aura of revolutionaries ready to change the world, perhaps we should reevaluate the importance of the intelligence of the hand, as Sennett suggested some time ago. All skills originate as bodily practices. Manual skills, based on touch and movement, lie at the heart of craftsmanship, while technical intelligence develops through imagination, directing and guiding practical activities that artisans deeply care about.
Bauhaus was strongly linked to craftsmanship
However, technological progress and changes in consumer tastes now jeopardize what was once considered a cultural and creative treasure. Automation, in the past, and artificial intelligence today, have led to the standardization of products, depriving them of the precious uniqueness of artisanal art and raising doubts about the human touch in it all.
Yes, there was Ruskin and then Morris, and then many others. But if we even look at the most famous Bauhaus, which is often nowadays reduced to a mere aesthetic style, it was strongly linked to craftsmanship and its predominant role in creation, akin to the Renaissance universal man as an example.
Craftsmanship holds a special place among the precious human arts, creating intricately crafted artworks like jewelry and bags. However, its practice is threatened by declining demand and a shortage of artisanal skills, as demonstrated by the situation in Paris.
young people are not interested in craftsmanship as a viable career
To preserve this precious tradition, some companies, like LVMH, have taken up training initiatives to pass down ancient artisanal skills to the new generations, ensuring the continuity of high-quality craftsmanship. The luxury giant has established a training program called “L’Institut des Métiers d’Excellence” to bridge the skills gap. Artisanal skills are not mere replicas of the past; they combine tradition and innovation. Protecting these ancient traditions is crucial to preserving our cultural richness and the diversity of our world.
The luxury industry plays a significant role in the European economy, and an increasing number of consumers seek authentic and original products, highlighting the importance of artisanal skills for business success. However, finding young people interested in pursuing a career in craftsmanship is often challenging due to the pressures to choose more traditional careers. It is essential not only to demonstrate that careers in craftsmanship can be rewarding and offer opportunities for success but also to portray the artisan as a creative and essential figure.
Wouldn't unique workshops be more interesting than chain stores?
Craftsmanship is an irreplaceable cultural treasure at risk of fading away in the era of technological progress. While the contribution of technology to our daily lives is undeniable, we must also ask ourselves why standardized chain stores prevail when there could be so many unique small workshops. Wouldn’t that be much more inspiring?
To ensure the survival of this age-old tradition, we must recognize the value of artisanal skills and promote a culture that appreciates and protects them for future generations. Only then can we continue to enjoy the beauty and authenticity of handmade works, preserving the allure of these extraordinary artistic creations intact.
Why do I write about crafts?
My passion for craftsmanship and its precious cultural heritage has deep roots in my life. Raised in a household where craftsmanship was central, my father, an artisan from Basilicata, devoted his skills to creating shoes and gloves. This experience profoundly impacted my life and shaped my career in the world of design. Today, as a Creative Director, I primarily specialize in retail space design, crafting environments that not only express a brand’s essence but also effectively communicate the value of its products through emotion and engagement. Moreover, I am committed to product design that goes beyond aesthetics; I strive to create products with stories to tell, seeking opportunities to collaborate with local artisans, keeping the spirit of craftsmanship alive, as it remains close to my heart from growing up in a hard but lovely workshop.
My name is Michele Brunetti, Creative Director of MI Creative Studio, and I’m grateful for your attention. I hope you enjoyed the content, and if you have any questions or suggestions for improvement, I’d be delighted to hear from you.
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