The narrative of Craft: Digital capabilities within traditional stories

Abstract

There is an inherent message or story in handmade objects, which is defined by the maker's interaction. Its narrative is due in part to the physical and emotional relationship of the craftsperson, the degree of imperfection from the human touch, and it is fused with the significance placed on the object by the owner. This layering of stories and associated memories continues throughout the life of the item. Human touch stores memories: caused by repetition of use, leaving the marks of events as well as the people and places attached to them. This paper examines the significance of the maker's narrative within the Crafts, specifically within the field of Jewellery and how this can be amplified through embedded digital technologies. The paper explores the link between Human Computer Interaction and Craft through the interaction, emotional investment and embedded narrative from the perspective of maker and owner.