CRAFTS PROCESS, COLLABORATION AND CULTURAL PERCEPTION

Q. For new modernism in Interior Architecture, what are the lessons that must be
required to learn from craft, crafts process and craftsmen?
Ans.
1. Post industrial revolution with the introduction of machine work, people started looking
for simpler ways, leading them towards litharge. The craftsmen prior to industrial
revolution were dependant on themselves while today’s scenario is contrary to this. We in
this modern era need to realize that we cannot completely rely on machine work as a
whole. If handwork is integrated with machine work the output would be more appealing.
2. Accuracy: If we look at the past, the accuracy in terms of detailing is very high. For
example: If we look at Amber fort of Jaipur, detailing in the inlay of stone work and inlay
of gems will clearly tell us the accuracy. But we could not see that in the present new
modern works.
3. Originality: Why people are moving towards to buy antique and old materials to fill their
living spaces? The simple answer for the question is “we do not have those kind of
detailing, and crafts”.
4. Technology makes lots of nothing: Due to the development of technology we are starting
to create a single mould and we make lots and lots of products which look similar. Interest
will come in mind only if there is some differentiation between things. If we do those
things with hand, that may create some affection between people and that object.
5. Passion Vs Business: Now the product makers will not be like as craftsmen. They are
thinking as businessmen. They are reducing the time of making a single object to earn
more money in smaller time period. So the passion of work has gone. So the quality of
output has also gone.
6. Tradition: We have started following international style all over the world. So the
uniqueness of each and every place has gone. As we discussed in 4th point, differences
between work and interest of looking that work, both are gone. If we want to bring it back,
we have to bring local craftsmanship and traditional methods back.
7. Other needs to create Craft interest in new era: Inviduality, Innovation, Exploration,

Experimentation, Understanding the needs,Heritage. Etc.

KRATIKA LIPI
MAHARAJA