Notions of Skill

Abstract:

The starting point in the field of research in this essay, is skill in contemporary craft.

The term is loaded with values and preconceptions. The essay pays attention to how

the topic is discussed currently in the craft field. Society is changing and naturally the

variety and amount in skills is changing accordingly. The role of education, teaching

and learning in the acquisition of skills is discussed. Skill in craft is viewed in two of

its extreme ends, sloppy craft and “hypermaking”. Sloppy craft is a trend where the

craftsmanship is not demonstrated by a consious choice. “Hypermaking” refers to

artists whose technical skills are tremendous. .

The main part of the investigation of skill is made through artistic research in the field

of contemporary jewellery. The maker’s practice is dominated by one material, stone.

Throughout the investigation, a diary has been kept in order to record the thinking and

making in the working process. This has revealed notions of different aspects of skill:

silent knowledge in manual skill, how the skill can trick the maker, and how skill

grows by time. Artistic research has also clarified the maker’s relationship to stone.

The essay focuses on how the traditional stoneworking skill is challenged by the

maker by using readymade instead of a raw stone material. The reason for challenging

is the need of confrontation in artistic development.