Handmade art Essay Example

is crucial to differentiate crafting from fine art as artists may utilize diverse mediums for expressing their creativity.

Artistic mediums range from wood and glass to clay and fiber, requiring an artist to possess not only creativity but also technical expertise in order to effectively merge these skills. The craft of art relies heavily on the human hand, which enhances communication of emotions and concepts. Irrespective of one's level of art proficiency, the texture, design, and hand-finishing techniques used can be readily identified.

Although a work of art may not be flawless or complete, it does exhibit the human element that brings vitality to the piece. Not every artist-crafted item is intended for practical use; often they serve to convey a message to the observer rather than being utilized for their intended purpose. For instance, consider a hand-made teapot crafted by an artist; while it may have a lid and spout like any ordinary teapot, it serves as a medium to convey a diverse tale and message (Meggs, 2005). Additionally, crafts can be classified into two subcategories: hand-made and traditional methods. Paintings can be created using either computer graphic software or by hand.

Despite the ease and convenience of computer aided graphic software, there is something unique about creating a painting using traditional methods. This involves considering various aspects such as color schemes, strokes, and the use of traditional mediums. Nevertheless, this paper seeks to explore why designers and artists still prefer to create such symbolic representations of their thoughts and feelings by hand rather than relying solely on technology. While computers have revolutionized the world of art, making generating, improving, and selling artwork easier than ever before

while also simplifying corrections, the reason for artists and designers continuing to choose traditional methods is still a mystery. Nonetheless, the reasons may be straightforward.

Like individuals who desire to communicate in their distinct manner, artists also aim to express their sentiments and ideas through their handmade artwork. The personal touch and human element evident in an artist's work outmatches computer-generated illustrations or graphics. By incorporating their personal experiences into their creations, artists produce paintings that embody the fundamental elements of effective communication. Handmade creations inherently convey the intended message and provide all essential aspects for successful communication (Stefan, 2005).

Showing imperfections, handcrafted colors and color schemes, as well as smooth and irregular edges, all reveal the human touch involved in crafting. This is evident in a comparison between a computer-generated portrait or cartoon and the original picture of the legendary Mona Lisa. The latter has a certain life to it, thanks to the human hand and manual work involved in creating it, making her smile one of the most renowned in the world and still cherished by many museum visitors. A painting that effectively conveys a message becomes more in demand, allowing artists to demand fair compensation for their work. Working with handmade crafts provides artists with a sense of satisfaction.

Despite the great advancements made in computer graphics software to provide maximum user-friendly and realistic experiences for artists, they cannot substitute the human mind and hand skills in creating final output. Even today, graphic software still poses limitations and restrictions that can hinder an artist's full expression. These software are designed for general use and cannot account for the fact that no two brains in the

world are alike (Kauffman, 1967). In order to be original and unique, artists may hesitate to use graphic software as the output may appear monotonous to experts and those with deep insights. Painting, on the other hand, utilizes different notations, strokes of brushes, development of textures, and custom colors to express feelings and bring life to their works. These are aspects that cannot be programmed into man-made software.

Computer generated designs in crafts lack the uniqueness and originality that hand made crafts possess. Hand made crafts have uneven edges and textures that set them apart from other pieces of the same design. The absence of this originality is seen as a disadvantage by artists. Additionally, the general public values unique and exclusive gifts. Therefore, artists and designers may choose to work longer on hand made crafts to meet this preference.

Handmade crafts are highly valued by people who are willing to pay more than the usual computer-generated products. This is because handmade products are unique, possess their own identity, and come with their own story. This uniqueness injects a sense of value into the appearance of the craft, making it equally important and cherished by the receiver as it is by the designer or artist who made it. Even though the receiver may not know the story behind its creation, the crafts’ visual appeal adds significance to it. In addition, modern dress designs have resulted in a feeling that consumers are now more cultural recipients than producers. Hence, waiting for handmade crafts has become a valued practice when going to hand-made goods shops.

According to Dougher (2005), consumers rely on software products instead of creating original culture. This

is particularly true in Western culture, where the fear of cultural similarity is prevalent. In contrast, developing countries maintain their cultural differences by utilizing traditional crafting methods. Western consumers believe that purchasing handmade products can help them reconnect with and preserve their culture in a traditional way. As a result, artists and craftsmen have taken on the responsibility of helping consumers produce their own cultural products, as expressed by Rissati (2007).

Environmentalists are advocating for designers and artists to adopt handmade techniques as a solution to the environmental impact caused by mass production with computer assistance, which is a major contributor to global warming. The use of resources like plastics and hazardous materials in the production of every item designed on computer software is concerning. As a result, they suggest opting for unique and handmade creations that can eliminate this issue from our planet. While individual craftsmen may have varying methods for handmade techniques, there is still an established criterion that they follow systematically regardless of their unique system. It's crucial to comprehend the process involved.

The process of creating art involves a series of steps and phases that allow for the expression of emotions and feelings. While each artist's process may differ, it is important to follow a system that enables true artistic expression. As an artist continues with their work, their process may develop and evolve based on previous steps taken. Adopting a specific process helps artists represent and express their unique perspective on the subject matter they are working with.

Artists' work is valued not for its subject matter but for the mental image it evokes and how that perception informs their approach. Typically,

artists delve into concepts such as beliefs, death, birth, love, and hatred to provide a launchpad for their imagination and creativity (Kauffman, 1967). When approaching an assignment, some artists may opt to begin with a topic and work toward a solution while others employ techniques that guide them to an idea or output. This view is commonly held among individuals who have personal relationships with painters.

One methodology employed by a class teacher is explained as follows: Initially, the teacher presents a problem to the students and allows them to engage in brainstorming and discussion among peers. The students then evaluate the relevance of the theme to their artistic learning style and overall perception of an artist's perspective on a particular issue. The student is thereafter encouraged to react to the theme using a brush and canvas as tools and medium of expression. The expected outcome is then attained. Once the student has the topic in mind, they collect the relevant visual images generated during brainstorming and follow a chronological step-by-step procedure for their work (Stefan, 2005).

When a student begins their work, they typically have a clear plan on how to connect their topic and opinions with symbols, figures, and visual aids on their board. This is when they are granted the freedom to express themselves with the tools at hand. One such individual, Lizzie Finn, exemplifies this process in her approach to designing clothes. While many artists rely heavily on computers, Finn prefers to start by brainstorming ideas with just a pencil and paper. From there, she utilizes a needle and cloth to bring her ideas to life.

Using a sewing machine in the final stage,

Lizzie creates unique designs that reflect her passion for hand-made crafts and have earned her worldwide recognition. In 2000, she conceived of a CD cover featuring original works by various music artists and included a booklet encouraging women to explore the easy and fun world of hand-crafting to express their individuality. Since then, she has championed the philosophy of craft work and promoted the activity through multiple projects. She even published a magazine article showcasing a wrinkled cloth adorned with text and images crafted with her trusty sewing machine.

The artist chose not to use a computer to create the artwork as it would have resulted in an uninspiring image on a white background with minimal black lines. Instead, she utilized a crumpled cloth and black thread to accentuate every element of the picture and text. Even though the artwork is eventually digitized for publishing, its printed version still inspires curiosity in the imagination of viewers. These handicrafts are vital for artists and designers in establishing their distinctiveness within the art community, following in the footsteps of legendary figures such as Shakespeare, Picasso, and Leonardo.

Although there has been a rise in the number of artists, only a minority have been able to maintain their individuality and distinctiveness. This is primarily because they prioritize manual labor over computer assistance, resulting in an exclusive identity that distinguishes them from others. Consequently, these artisans can sell their creations at prices they consider reasonable.