Artisan

Who is an artisan

An artisan is very skilled in using their hand in repairing, installing, maintaining and creating things with the use of their hands. An artisan is also referred to as a craftsperson or a tradesperson. Unlike the white-collar job, artisans are commonly recognized for their blue-collar job. They are usually skilled in developing creative and decorative crafts manually and can be used in homes, offices and different organizations. These crafts are also referred to as handicrafts such that male artisans are called handicraft men while female artisans are referred to as handicraft women. Other artisans due to their technical skills are often called technicians. Artisan was previously referred to as artificers in time past.



The working method of an artisan.

Artisans transform raw materials to finished, usable products or crafts. The process involved during the transformation reveals how resources are utilized to create beneficial and symbolic crafts in the community. The “trade secrets” kept by artisans are not usually disclosed to individuals outside a community. The cultural heritage of a community is easily manifested through artistic processes.


Categories of Artisans.

Artisans can be divided into two different categories. The first category is the masters. They teach, train and equip other artisans. The second category that learns from these masters is referred to as apprentice. They undergo a period of apprenticeship where they learn and trade under a master for a period of time.


Difference between artisans, craftsmen, and technicians.

Artisans and craftsmen are usually regarded as being similar, but It should be known that are quite different in some areas. Artisan is skilled workers that create things with their hands due to their creative abilities and dexterity. Products created by artisans are usually characterized with decorative, aesthetic and functional values.

Craftsmen, however, are very skilled in crafts with very high replication but usually less creative. Products created by craftsmen are very popular for their functional values.

On the other hand, all technicians are regarded as artisans but not all artisans are technicians. This is because some artisans are skilled and specialize only in creating crafts but technicians deal with the repair, installation, and maintenance of equipment, electronics, automobiles, machinery and so on.


The types of products produced by artisans.

Artisans create a product without the help of any manufacturing industry or factory that are beneficial for the daily activities in the community. Artisan products have become more creative and decorative since industrialization and are usually purchased by individuals within and outside their community. In recent times, consumers appreciate artisanal creations as they are usually symbolic and not produced in mass. Examples of products created by artisans are:


Textiles

This is very popular among the products created by artisans. Artisans utilize various natural threads when producing textiles using common machines like the pedal loom and the waist loom. The techniques involved are usually very extensive and each comes with its one uniqueness and creativity. Artisans in Latin America produces textile using Pre-Columbian heritage filled with symbolic definitions that are crafted from wool, thread, and natural painting. The popular Machules Textiles from Chile is a very good example.


Metalwork

Artisans specialize in creating different artistic work using various steel and iron and a very popular product is the bell. Metals are beneficial for health and ritual purposes in Punjab, India. A very good example is the brass and copper utensils referred to as Thatheras of Jandiala Guru.


Wood

The artisan creates artistic products using wood majorly for religious purposes. In Mexico, woods are used by artisans to create remarkable animal figures and cultural masks referred to Alebrijes. Woods can also be used for religious and ritual purposes in Sub-Saharan Africa.


Pottery and Ceramics

Pottery and ceramics are products that are created from baked clay at a very high temperature. One of the popular ones in Mexico is Talavera from Puebla and the Black Clay also known as “Barro Negro” from Oaxaca. Clay is also used for creating pots and other traditional dishes like the Moroccan Tajines in Africa.


Jewellery

Artisans use different procedures in producing pieces of jewellery made from bronze, silver, copper, and gold. Human bones and shells are usually incorporated during the Pre-Hispanic era.


Glass

The production was introduced by the Spaniards in Latin America during the colony. This artistic creation requires enormous skill to properly manage and shape the melted glass within a short amount of time. This technique is used in creating a lot of tableware and creative recognizable items. A major technique in artisan workshop working with glass is known as glassblowing.


Natural Fiber

Different range of natural dry plants like reed and wicker is used in creating various fabrics and objects. Natural colours are used for pigmentation which is usually affected during the extraction of natural resources.


Saddlery

This involves the use of leathers to create different handmade crafts. It can be compared to horseback riding and cattle raising. The techniques are employed here are used in creating clothes, shoes and many other contemporary materials. The Indian Moccasin that is utilized for tribe clothing in the US and Canada is a very good example of saddlery.


Goldsmith and metal craftwork.

This involves the use of precious metals such as silver, gold, and bronze to produce handmade crafts by melting and hammering then into shapes.


Paper and Carton

This the technique in Mexico employs “Papel Picado” used in creating different masks, natural holidays and alebrijes. Paper handmade crafts are also used in China for painting, book printing, and calligraphy with the use of the Xuan paper.


Importance of Artisans.

1. Artisans use their skilled technique and versatile knowledge to create things that are used in industries, homes, and offices.

2. Artisans also help to maintain, install and repair things in homes, offices, and organizations.

3. Being an artisan is a source of blue-collar jobs that help to reduce the rate of unemployment, social vices, and poverty.

4. Artisan also pays taxes to the government, therefore contribute to the economy of the country.

5. Artisans are usually the first choice for people with very low income or educational background to learn a skilled task that can be used to cater for themselves and their families.