Personally I don’t think you can really connect with work you make without having your hands on it, I thinks part of being a craftsmen is getting your hands dirty. Although I do agree that you have to adapt to survive but that goes for any and every area of work and business. It is sink or swim, take advantage of the technology and create new ways to make craft that works with the times. However; I disagree that this can mean ‘selling out’, there is this obvious obligation of paying the bills and that means creating work that sells which may mean making ‘kitch’ work but that doesn’t mean that’s all that a craftsman can make. I think the key to being a successful artist or selling your craft being your only means of income is not only making what sells but still being able to take risks in your other craft work.  

I hate to think that the development of new technology is hindering or eliminating craft instead of broadening the options for exploration and experimentation. I can unhappily acknowledge that some craft is being pushed out and replaced by easier ways of production such as printmaking. I think the issue is the economy and this idea that craft is created out of the middle class choice, and made for people of high class that can afford useless objects. I think there is a definite lack of understanding of craft in general and that is a huge effect on the world of craft. 

kelly johnston