Craft in the digital world

Written by LS:N Global editor Jonathan Openshaw and published by Frame in Amsterdam, this book explores the work of artisans who are bringing a new aesthetic to contemporary craft. In contrast to the booming interest in 3D printing and computer-aided design, these artisans are returning to materials and tactility, while being influenced by a screen-based aesthetic.

‘The people that I’ve featured in the book are all resolutely committed to hand craft and artisanal skill, but are also interested in the changes being brought about by the digital era,’ Openshaw tells LS:N Global. ‘They make things out of metal, clay, wood and stone, but also embrace the new creative opportunities being brought about by new technology. There’s nothing nostalgic in their work, but these artisans also preserve the importance of handcraft and hard-earned skills.’

The Big Picture: Read our Opinion piece on the importance of preserving craft in the digital age and our Awakening Tech macrotrend to understand how the offline and online worlds are converging.