For good or for bad, our lives have become intertwined with technology, and we have witnessed its transformative power. We’ve seen the world shrink as technology connects us in ways we’ve never thought possible before. We have watched the canvas of human potential expand, allowing us to dream bigger, reach further, and accomplish more.
But as we push the boundaries of what is technologically feasible, we must take care to never lose sight of the value and wisdom that lies within our traditional crafts. In these there lies an invaluable sense of touch, a human flair, and an irreplaceable link to our past that grounds us in the midst of our fast-paced digital life.
Traditional crafts speak to the spirit of innovation, the tenacity, the patience, and the ingenuity that has been a part of our human story since the very beginning.
Technology used well lets you do things you couldn't do without it
In this spirit, we must remember that the beauty of modern technology is not in its speed, but in the possibilities it opens up for us.
The elegance of technology lies not in its complexity, but in its simplicity – in making things easier, better, and more accessible. In doing so, it can serve as a magnificent tool to amplify the resonance of traditional crafts, helping to bring their timeless wisdom and aesthetic appeal to the forefront of our contemporary lives.
Technology used at its basic level is obsessed with speed and efficiency, it doesn’t care for the feeling. It’s about getting things done faster; optimizing processes and constantly pushing us to what’s next. From AI and robotics to digital fabrication tools like 3D printing and laser cutting, technology drives us forward at an unprecedented pace. Yet, when used well it enables. It lets you creatively achieve more than you could without it.
Imagine a world where high-speed 3D printers produce beautiful crafted Celtic designs, making this age-old craft accessible to those who never had the means to experience it. Picture artisans using sophisticated design software to perfect their traditional patterns, only to bring them to life on handlooms enhanced with AI technology, achieving a blend of precision and authenticity that would be impossible to attain otherwise.
Technology doesn't have to replace our traditions; instead, it should illuminate them.
We hear every day of the ‘new’ relentlessly replacing the old, the drumbeat of progressive drowning out the traditions.
Indeed, we can see the impacts of this drive for pace in the mental health, wellbeing and societal ties across the developed world – there’s no doubt that we are being impacted by this movement.
It’s up to us to craft a balance and create a world that respects and appreciates the slow art of traditional crafts, while also harnessing the power of modern, high-speed technology. By doing so, we can create a future that is not merely fast and efficient, but also soulful, meaningful, and deeply connected to our shared human heritage.
Remove the mundane with technology, fuel the creativity
Technology can help us slow down by speeding up the mundane. While it might seem counterintuitive, integrating technology can actually enhance the slow living ethos in traditional crafts. Precision tools like CNC machines, digital embroidery or 3D printers can handle the repetitive tasks, freeing up craftspeople to focus on the parts of the process that require a human touch and thought.
If done in careful measure, technology fuels the creative process rather than replacing it – allowing us to focus on the things that create connections in our work.
We are maintaining the heritage
Traditions that fail to modernise, wilt. They become irrelevant and gather dust. History is littered with tales of people who attempted to stand against the tide of change. The Luddites.
We should realise that power tools have opened up woodworking to far greater audiences than ever before. 3D printing has gone from an extreme niche discipline to a worldwide movement. In the words of the Buddhist saying, “When walking, walk. When eating, eat.” Let’s apply this wisdom to our modern world – “When crafting, craft. When innovating, innovate.”
Embrace the best of both worlds, and we will find a harmony of tradition and technology, a rhythm that propels us forward while keeping us grounded.
High-tech handmade
The combination of technology and traditional crafts results in uniquely appealing products. A hand-thrown ceramic vase, for example, could be combined with a 3D-printed intricate structure, marrying the tactile beauty of pottery with the precision and complexity of digital fabrication. It’s this combination of slow, thoughtful creation and fast, precise technology that gives rise to items that are truly greater than the sum of their parts.
Most importantly, bringing the power and connectivity of technology to traditional inert items allows them to ‘live’ and breathe in a modern household – to be items that you don’t just glance at occasionally, but interact with every day; technology illuminating our art.
So embrace the dance
The convergence of slow living craftsmanship and fast-paced technology isn’t about replacing the old with the new. Instead, it’s about finding ways to bring out the best in both, to preserve and enhance traditional crafts while also pushing the boundaries of what’s possible.
In this dance, we won’t just be observers or consumers. We will be creators, weaving the future with threads from the past and present. The result will be a vibrant tapestry of human experience, rich in its diversity, stunning in its complexity, and inspiring in its beauty. Let’s not just build the future; let’s craft it with care, patience, and respect for our shared heritage.
Neocrafting: It’s magic in the making.