Kisi-kisi UN SMK Kerajinan

A craft is a branch of profession that requires some particular kind of skilled work. In historical sense, particularly as pertinent to the Medieval history and earlier, the term is usually applied towards people occupied in small-scale production of goods. Historically, craftsmen tended to concentrate in urban centers and formed the guilds. Trade occupation and the need to be permanently involved in the exchange of goods also demanded a generally higher level of education and in societal hierarchy the craftsmen were usually in a more privileged position than the peasantry.
The households of the members of the society occupied in trade professions were not as self-sufficient as of those engaged in agricultural work and, as such, had to rely on exchange of goods.



This system of a stepwise approach to mastery of a craft which invokes the obtainment of a certain amount of education and the learning of skills, has survived in some countries of the world until today, although craft has undergone deep structural changes during the era of the Industrial Revolution in which mass production of goods of the industry has limited craft to areas of life which the industry could not satisfy - due to its modes of functioning - or in which mass-produced goods would not meet the preferences of potential buyers. Moreover, as an outcome of these changes, craftspeople increasingly make use of semi-finished components or materials today, and accomplish and adapt such a kind of ware to their customers' demands and, if necessary, to the environments of their customers, taking it in hand, in case fitting-work is needed, and thus augment what the industry already had produced - through participating in a certain division of labour between industry and craft.

Download Kisi-kisi UN SMK - Vocational Theory



Is Craft Artistry?

Almost a year after I debated the Art versus Craft question, I thought it timely to address the question again, from a slightly different angle, but with the basic principle unchanged. The ensuing time has not altered or even slightly detracted from my belief that serious Craft has its foundations firmly anchored in the world of Art.
Even in the initial stages of the majority of crafting pursuits, where the creations are firstly made as keepsakes for self and others to inherit, or gifts for family and loved ones - the workmanship and care and passion are spent lavishly, to make the best possible item. The crafts are innumerable. Needlework-type pursuits alone encompass fine cross-stitch, embroidery, tapestry, appliqué, lace-making, patchwork, knitting and crocheting...each one with countless variations. And then the paper crafts, embracing all the possibilities contained in scrap booking, card and gift box making, origami (or paper-folding), decoupage, quilling, pergamano (or parchment cutting and decorating)...ever-expanding to include such artistry as calligraphy, etc. And of course, china painting, ceramics, jewellery-making...there are an endless variety of pursuits to choose.
Sometimes a craftsperson will seek recognition of his artistry and maybe the chance for some monetary reward by offering the creations for sale in an appropriate shop. Added to the problem is the question of who takes responsibility and wears the loss from public damage or theft...not to mention the competition with mass-produced and consequently cheaper items.
Having a stall at a local market - indoors or outdoors - can be successful, some of the time. But the very nature of the 'traffic flow', past all the stalls, with owners/creators behind their wares, can make it easy (and often more comfortable)for the potential customer to just give the handiwork a sweeping glance...and 'walk on by'. The skills involved in the production of the handmade 'gems' on view often receive small acknowledgement or even voiced acceptance and approval.
Similarly, popular on-line selling websites, both Australian and International, can most often leave the skilled craftsperson bewildered by his lack of marketing expertise, compared to the lower pricing and array of numbers of mass-produced goods, usually coming from countries with incredibly low overheads...like wages. In this 'hard-nosed' arena, there is little room for minor attributes like unique or 'one of a kind' creations; of skilled workmanship and attention to detail. The artistry of the craftsperson seems of small importance, compared to the fast turnover of the multitude of cheaper imitations flooding these internet markets.
In my previous article, the word Integrity loomed large - and I suggested that this intrinsic attribute is what true artisans 'bring to our pursuits - to make our CRAFT be unequivocally classified as ART'. My belief is that every sincere artisan's integrity is sacrosanct - far away and beyond the 'ordinary' levels of the important principles of proficiency - and basic workmanship. The soul of the artist, deep within, rejects involvement in venues that make him question his deepest beliefs, his worth...his integrity.
Along with countless other craftspersons who value their artistry highly, I have now sought markets that celebrate and support the artist in the craftsperson, and showcase their creativity; their individual talents; their dedicated workmanship. Descriptions of their products and their marketing include words like - 'showcases Australia's most creative, undiscovered art, design & craft talent' - and encourage others to - 'Buy, Sell, and Live Handmade'. A great ethic, that is apparent in the sincere and total artistry in the huge variety of original and skillful craftwork being beautifully presented.
I have mentioned 'artistry' many times - to clarify this, here is a Dictionary definition from a highly respected source - Collins English Dictionary 10th Edition, 2009.
artistry (noun)
"artistic workmanship, ability, or quality...artistic pursuits...great skill"
I have no argument with this definition...especially based on first-hand benefits of staying 'true to my passion'...and never ever compromising ideals or belief in self and my own unique creations. Choice of this particular path brings appreciation, support, kind words and advice, praise from old friends, and the discovery of new friends who prove themselves 'real' (as opposed to 'invited'). Not fame or fortune in the accepted understanding of these words...however...ALL of these things are Pure Gold - treasures beyond compare.
Ask any artisan if they understand and share this feeling.

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