Craft -the state of the nation In last month's newsletter, Crafts Council chief executive Leslie Reed asked questions about the future of Ireland's craft industry. This month, he hands the issues raised over to those in business — the craftspeople and retailers. With a healthy economy and a wider global market on one side, and lower trade barriers with advanced production technology on the other, it's time to take stock and see where one of the last human resource industries stands. What are your feelings on language, categorisation, marketing, sales trends, retailing, display and export? And as we near the millennium, where is the industry headed?
The C word Most who work within the craft industry tend to shrink or shy away from using the word 'craft'. With comments such as 'It's one of the most overused words in the world' and 'I would never describe myself as a craft worker', it is obvious to see that terms such as 'artist' and 'designer' or the more specific titles of potter, furniture maker, silversmith and weaver seem preferable to most. The same holds for those involved with retailing. The days of Ye olde Craft Shopee seem long gone. Craft has developed a business acumen, and now seems to have chosen the more professional terms of gallery, art and design to promote itself. Susan Zelouf, marketing manager for
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Michael Bell Design Furniture Makers comments, 'The word 'craft' conjures an image of something made with a kit. It implies a hobby - something an amateur does for love. Although Michael enjoys his work, he designs and builds furniture as a job, not purely for pleasure.' Martina Gillan, jewellery designer and owner of The Cat and The Moon Gallery in Sligo echoes these feelings. 'Craft workers must make no mistake as to why they're in business. There is a commercial purpose for handmade items that is beyond the aesthetic. Like anything else on sale, craft work is a business. Newer designers seem to have gleaned a greater sense of commerce through training with places like the Crescent Workshop in Kilkenny' So, is the word craft a help or a hindrance for today's creative business people? Textile designer Mel Bradley feels 'We may not like the word, but we must accept its regular usage and make the most of it. We should sell on the hand-made angle... the exclusivity of our trade. Then the word 'craft' can work to our advantage.' This fact seems especially so in Mel's highly
Mel Bradley, hand painted scarf.
Martina Gillan, The cat & the moon, Galway.
competitive field; with so much competition from high street retailers, it is essential to emphasise the originality and exclusivity of a higher priced, hand-made item. 'There was a time when nobody was making scarves, but now, big manufacturers have realised they are the easiest thing to do with textiles as they demand little extra work or finish. We crafts people must distinguish the positive points of our work over the sea of cheaper, mass-produced fashion product on sale everywhere.'