Page 144 - Constructing Craft

craft at the tertiary level were limited by a shortage of positions, the courses based

on the British model did not seem a suitable preparation for a career as a self-
employed craftsperson – the most likely path for anyone seeking a professional

future in craft. Future graduates in New Zealand were likely to be faced with a
dilemma: compete for a small number of teaching positions in the craft design

courses with the more appropriately and better qualified overseas tutors; pick up
further craft skills following training whilst competing with more experienced

craftspeople; or move on to other occupations having satisfied a desire to express

creative ideas.

Training in craft studios in New Zealand remained viable largely because many

craftspeople believed it was the only practical way to learn a craft and the vibrant
market permitted even poorly skilled craftspeople to earn an income from their work.

An additional reason for its continuation was the appeal it held for a section of the
educated middle classes who rebelled against expectations that they would pursue

careers in white-collar occupations. Breaking away from formal education – even in
craft – was a reason to self-educate. Some supporters also believed that an

‘applied’ method added a special value to the knowledge gained.

Craft Skills versus Conceptual Skills

Within studio craft circles the links between old training methods and new education

thinking continued to be stretched. The separation of studio craft from its trade
foundation was a recognised phenomenon throughout the Western world. British

craft historian, Peter Dormer, argued that the unique environment studio
craftspeople found themselves in was class-related.

The late 20th century offers the craftsperson a special
economic environment to work in. The handcrafts of potting or
weaving or woodworking in the late 20th century are practised
under conditions unlike those of previous centuries. Handmade
potting, weaving and the rest have stopped being trades as
such and have changed class – changed from being working-
class or artisan, commercial occupations into middle-class,
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creative, art-like activities.

Constructing Craft