archive_‘Autonomatic’ exhibition
March 2007, held at Metworks, London
This exhibition held in conjunction with ‘Digital Explorers II’. It included ceramics, glass, furniture and plasterwork by Katie Bunnell, Tavs Jorgensen, Drummond Masterton, Justin Marshall, John Miller and Ismini Samanidou all based at University College Falmouth.
Within the Crafts there is an ongoing argument that the use of hand tools provides evidence of real human skill and that the use of machines can only cause a loss in the richness and complexity associated with individual human expression.
“The new technology offers equal, if not greater opportunity for
individualism. Far from using computers to automate craft skills, the vision for the future should be to develop traditional craft skills in conjunction with the new creative opportunities.” Tavs Jørgensen, 2007
In practical terms CAD/CAM relies on a mathematical rather than an intuitive approach and getting to grips with digital tools in an effective way requires a significant and ongoing commitment in time alongside open access to experimentation with technology.
“I’m building up a skill base and a knowledge base in CAD/CAM technology, ‘I’m physically engaged with the process of digital design in a direct way – just like a craftsman. I don’t want to rely on a technician to translate my ideas. I want to be both a designer and an engineer.” Drummond Masterton, 2007
Digital technologies are capable of reversing the usual economies of scale and dismantling traditional supply chains. As with desktop publishing which transformed the graphic design, print and photography sectors the emergence of affordable digital manufacturing heralds an era of customisation and responsive localised production, even in the home. These flexible ‘post-industrial’ production systems that involve less division of labour and greater flexibility are more closely associated with craft practices.
“As well as exploring the potential of computer graphics for creating new aesthetic idioms in ceramic patterns, Bunnell wants to take advantage of digital technology to develop more viable methods of small-scale production where the designer-maker remains in control.” Lesley Jackson, Autonomatic, 2007
