Encountering Craft: Methodological Approaches from Anthropology, Art History, and Design

This book explores the methodological challenges and possibilities of researching practices historically defined as 'craft' across disciplines. It provides detailed case study material and theoretical analysis of the research challenges confronted, addressing issues of decolonization, representation, institutionalization, and power.

Format: Hardback
Length: 176 pages
Publication date: 28 June 2023
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

This book delves into the methodological complexities and opportunities encountered when researching practices traditionally categorized as 'craft'. It fosters a comprehensive understanding of how methodology, spanning various disciplines, contributes to the analytical frameworks that shape the understanding and construction of craft. The contributions in this volume are written by scholars who specialize in diverse craft practices across different geographical contexts. Each chapter includes detailed case study material, complemented by theoretical analysis of the research challenges encountered. These chapters offer valuable insights into how methodologies evolve in response to specific research conditions and contexts, addressing critical issues such as decolonization, representation, institutionalization, and power. Drawing from anthropology, art history, and design, this volume promotes interdisciplinary dialogue and addresses some of the most pressing concerns in contemporary craft research.

Introduction:
Craft has long been recognized as a rich field of study, encompassing a wide range of artistic and artisanal practices. However, the methodological challenges associated with researching craft have been a subject of debate and discussion among scholars. This book aims to address these challenges and explore the possibilities that methodology offers in understanding and interpreting craft practices.
Methodological Challenges:
Craft is a multifaceted and complex phenomenon, characterized by its diverse practices, materials, and cultural contexts. As such, researching craft requires a nuanced and multifaceted approach that considers the specificities of each craft tradition. One of the primary challenges is the lack of standardized definitions and classifications of craft, which can make it difficult to establish clear research objectives and methodologies. Additionally, craft practices often exist within local and regional communities, making it challenging to access and study them in a systematic and comprehensive manner.
Opportunities for Methodological Innovation:
Despite these challenges, there are numerous opportunities for methodological innovation in craft research. One approach is to adopt a multidisciplinary approach, drawing on insights from various fields such as anthropology, art history, design, and cultural studies. This can help researchers develop a more holistic understanding of craft practices and their historical, social, and cultural significance. Another approach is to incorporate digital technologies and methodologies, such as virtual reality, augmented reality, and data analysis, to study craft practices in new and innovative ways.
Contributions of the Chapters:
The chapters in this book showcase a range of methodological approaches and perspectives on craft research. Each chapter presents detailed case study material, providing insights into specific craft practices and their cultural contexts. The theoretical analysis of the research challenges confronted in each chapter offers valuable insights into how methodologies emerge in response to particular research conditions and contexts.
Conclusion:
In conclusion, this book reflects on the methodological challenges and possibilities encountered when researching practices that have been historically defined and classified as 'craft'. It fosters an understanding of how methodology, across disciplines, contributes to analytical frameworks within which the subject matter of craft is defined and constructed. The contributions are written by scholars whose work focuses on different craft practices across geographies. Each chapter contains detailed case study material along with theoretical analysis of the research challenges confronted. They provide valuable insight into how methodologies emerge in response to particular research conditions and contexts, addressing issues of decolonization, representation, institutionalization, and power. Informed by anthropology, art history and design, this volume facilitates interdisciplinary discussion and touches on some of the most critical issues related to craft research today.

Weight: 404g
Dimension: 162 x 241 x 18 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780367459352