Social craftsmanship. Exploring the intersection between creative making and community building between Devonshire and Veneto

Abstract

This dissertation analyses a new role that handicrafts have taken on in recent decades: from a manual practice aimed to produce objects of artistic value, to a social practice that manages to unite communities through the “use of hands”. The objects created are no longer the purpose of an artistic creation but became the means of social aggregation. Groups of enthusiasts and amateurs form, in order to learn new craft activities and create shared social moments. Historical, economic, sociological causes, and ongoing social changes play a key role in understanding this transition. Together with the use of face-to-face interviews, and analysis of different case studies, the theme will be compared through an analogy between two different countries and culture: the Italian and the British one, trying to replay to some of the most interesting question raised. How has social handicraft developed, and which paths has it taken in the two different nations? Which are the historical reasons? How the protagonists experience this fundamental change within craft practice? What has changed in the minds of consumers who demand this type of craft? What is the aim of social handicraft in the communities and in the lives of those involved? Why is this trend rising? What will the future trends be? It is necessary, due to a lack of specific bibliography on the subject, to investigate and shed light on this new reality that is becoming increasingly popular.