The article commences by providing the definition of a craftsman according to John Smith. Smith defines a craftsman as a person who bears the idea of making thing using hands and complements the creativity by using his tools, intuitive gifts, color and materials and necessary techniques (Ceramics Arts Daily Para 2). Other than defining the artisan, this definition offers guidance on the attitude behind artisan work that was influenced by the innovation of technology. The article goes on to mention that the rise of the technology saw the rise of demand for handmade products from the massively educated consumers. The make-it-yourself method was however not successful in satisfying the ever growing demand of the consumers. To meet the demand in the clay field, industrial tools together with great innovative ideas played a profound role in the field since the results were unique objects drawn from a craft.
This article is valuable in offering the background of pottery from the beginning of the 19th Century, which marks the beginning of application of advanced technology in almost all industrial fields. It is evident that the background of ceramics comprises of artists that apply diverse industrial techniques and approaches to create their products. The pioneer of the industrial ceramics nevertheless is Eva Zeisel, who became a force all through the 20th century. Born in Budapest in 1906, Eva’s respect for and comprehension of clay is apparent in all her products, which were modified using molds and produced by other artisans. Commencing from creating products as a traditional potter, Eva rose in status to design sensuous products, which are modified in porcelain by James Klein and David Reid. Another artisan is Edith Heath who comes out as a pioneer of applying technology in the production of dinnerware and architectural tiles.
The article includes background knowledge on some of the artists to reveal further the progress of pottery to present-day ceramics. These artisans among many others depict the rise and spread of the industrial ceramics in the field of pottery. Most of the artisans had some background knowledge and appreciation in pottery before they advanced their skills. Other than the producers, the article highlights how consumers have played a significant role in the evolution of the industry. In the present age, most of the products are technologically perfected and the same perception has been transferred to this industry. Age difference in addition to consumer preference plays significant roles in defining the ceramic world. Consumers are younger than they were in the past, and induce varying product preferences as well as varying shopping habits in the ceramic world. Besides this, the internet has risen to become a prominent shopping tool as motivations to acquire products is defined as problem solvers (Ceramics Arts Daily Para 9). As the shopping experience become easier and enjoyable, these customers often repeat the shopping experience.
Other than employing porcelain and industrial techniques, other artisans have been shaping the products through the jolly system. The present artisans focus on the look and feel of the products and the level of consistency, as was demanded by some clients. From the review, industry system has been useful in as it offered a solution to the need for screen-printing, and facilitated decoration of surfaces for brightly colored pieces. Moreover, the public has been enlightened on the definition and description of pottery. The public has been enabled to understand the demands and requirements that appeals to the consumer.
Work Cited
Ceramics Arts Daily. “The Industry of Making Pots.” Ceramics Arts Daily. 2010. Retrieved on
October 24th 2016 from > ceramicartsdaily.org/ceramic-art-and-artists/criticism-
aesthetics/the-industry-of-making-pots/<