Editing Craft (section)

== Classification ==
{{main|Outline of crafts}}

There are three aspects to human creativity:{{According to whom|date=September 2022}} art, crafts, and science. Roughly, art relies upon intuitive sensing, vision, and expression; crafts upon sophisticated technique; and science upon knowledge.

[[File:India StreetCraft.jpg|thumb|left|Street handicraft: here a skilled [[metalsmith]] in [[Agra]], [[India]] sits between [[Scooter (motorcycle)|scooters]] in a commercial area making careful observations in the practice of his trade]]

=== Handicraft ===
{{main|Handicraft}}
'''Handicraft''' is the "[[tradition]]al" main sector of the crafts. It is a type of work where useful and decorative devices are [[craft production|made completely by hand or by using only simple tools]]. The term is usually applied to traditional means of making goods. The individual [[workmanship|artisanship]] of the items is a paramount criterion, an such items often have cultural and/or religious significance. Items made by [[mass production]] or machines are not handicraft goods.

The beginning of crafts in areas like the [[Ottoman Empire]] involved the governing bodies{{Specify|reason=which governing bodies?|date=July 2023}} requiring members of the city who were skilled at creating goods to open shops in the center of town. These people slowly stopped acting as [[Subsistence agriculture|subsistence farmers]] (who created goods in their own homes to trade with neighbors) and began to represent what we think of as "craftspeople" today.<ref>{{Cite book |last=Suraiya |first=Faroqhi |title=Artisans of Empire : Crafts and Craftspeople Under the Ottomans. |year=2014 |publisher=I.B. Tauris |isbn=9780857710628 |page=119 |oclc=956646181}}</ref>

Besides traditional goods, handicraft contributes to the field of [[computing]] by combining craft practices with technology. For example, in 1968, the [[Apollo 8|''Apollo 8'' spacecraft's]] core memory consisted of wires that were woven around and through electromagnetic cores by hand. The [[core rope memory]] they{{specify|date=July 2023}} created contained information used to successfully complete the mission.<ref>{{Cite book |first=Daniela K. |last=Rosner |url=https://worldcat.org/title/1194870241 |title=Critical Fabulations: reworking the methods and margins of design. |year=2020 |publisher=MIT Press |isbn=978-0-262-54268-5 |oclc=1194870241}}</ref>

Crafts and craftspeople have become a subject of academic study. For example, Stephanie Bunn was an artist before she became an anthropologist, and she went on to develop an academic interest in the process of craft. She argues that what happens to an object before it becomes a "product" is an area worthy of study.<ref>{{Cite book |last=Ingold |first=Tim |title=Redrawing Anthropology: Materials, Movements, Lines |publisher=Ashgate Publishing Limited |year=2011 |location=Farnham |pages=21–22}}</ref>

=== The Arts and Crafts Movement ===
{{main|Arts and Crafts Movement}}
[[File:Mackintosh Window (304516308).jpg|thumb|Stained glass window, The Hill House, [[Helensburgh]], Scotland]]
The term ''crafts'' is used to describe artistic practices within the family of [[decorative art]]s that traditionally are defined by their relationship to functional or utilitarian products (such as [[sculptural]] forms in the vessel tradition) or by their use of such natural media as [[wood]], [[clay]], [[ceramic]]s, [[glass]], [[textiles]], and [[metal]].

The Arts and Crafts Movement originated in Britain during the late 19th century and was characterized by a style of decoration reminiscent of medieval times. The primary artist associated with the movement is [[William Morris]], whose work was reinforced with writings from [[John Ruskin]]. The movement placed a high importance on the quality of craftsmanship, while emphasizing the importance for the arts to contribute to economic reform.

=== Studio crafts ===
{{main|Studio craft}}
Crafts practiced by independent artists working alone or in small groups are referred to as studio craft. Studio craft includes [[studio pottery]], [[Metalworking|metalwork]], [[weaving]], [[woodturning]], [[paper]] and other forms of [[woodworking]], [[glassblowing]], and [[glass art]].

These crafts emphasize individuality, creativity, and the artist's direct engagement with materials and techniques. Unlike mass-produced or factory-made goods, studio craft pieces are often one-of-a-kind or produced in limited editions, showcasing the maker's personal style and artistic vision. Many studio craft artists blend traditional [[craftsmanship]] with contemporary design, pushing the boundaries of their chosen medium. The movement gained momentum in the 20th century as artists sought to elevate craft to the status of fine art, often exhibiting their works in galleries and museums. Today, studio craft continues to thrive, supported by craft schools, residencies, and a growing appreciation for handmade, artisanal objects.

=== Craft fairs <span class="anchor" id="Craft fair"></span> ===

A craft [[fair]] is an organized event to display and sell crafts. There are also craft stores where such goods are sold and craft communities, such as [[Craftster]], where [[expertise]] is shared.

Craft fairs can range in size from small local gatherings to large-scale events that attract artisans and visitors from across the country. These fairs often feature handmade items such as jewelry, pottery, textiles, woodwork, and home décor, highlighting the creativity and craftsmanship of independent artisans. Many craft fairs also include live demonstrations, workshops, and interactive booths where attendees can learn traditional and modern crafting techniques. Seasonal and holiday-themed craft fairs are particularly popular, offering unique, handcrafted gifts. Additionally, some craft fairs emphasize sustainability by promoting eco-friendly materials and upcycled goods, aligning with the growing interest in ethical consumerism.

=== Tradesperson ===
{{main|Tradesperson}}
A tradesperson is a skilled manual worker in a particular trade or craft, with a high degree of both practical and theoretical knowledge of their trade. In cultures where professional careers are highly prized, there can be a shortage of skilled manual workers, leading to lucrative niche markets in the trades.