WHY CRAFTING?

Previous to the Industrial Revolution, most economies in the United States, even the city economies, were predominantly Regional. The Trades (meaning what are now quaintly referred to as "crafts") were also regional. Each small town supported its own circle of Trades. This is of course a simplification, but for the most part holds true as related to my subject.

Those who wish to pursue a path of Master study in multimedia craftsmanship. or even a pursuit of Mastery in a single medium, need the resources to study in very highly priced craft schools. The possibility of a working apprenticeship is rare at best outside Industrial manufacturing, which is usually focused on the preferences of a corporation.The second hurdle which a craftsperson must breach is that of acquiring the means of production; that is, the shops, tools, personnel, knowledge, and business acumen sufficient to survive as a working entity must also be acquired and maintained.

Is this even remotely possible?

In our culture, the arrangement of working facilities, as well as the expectations for craftspersons in the workplace, has been radically altered to accomodate the needs of industry. The core effect of this alteration for the craftsperson has been to force crafting efforts toward specialization and production.