Art, Craft, and Technology; the conceptual question?

I have an interest in the relationship between art and technology, especially within the "craft" mediums. Although there has been much debate over the questions of tradition vs innovation, mostly in terms of material and process, what I don't see being pinned-down is the conceptual implications of technology really being considered in a comparable light to the traditional relationships concept and art-craft have explored. It seams that technologies such as CAD, rapid prototyping, and alt materials have become all the rage, but why? What beyond the superior production capabilities, wonderment, and ease is the reason tech is being so embraced? Believe me, I am not an ardent traditionalist, I want to believe in the power of technology to be a significant consideration in placing art in context with contemporary society, but I just can't quite put my finger on the reason behind the reasons we are embracing it so extensively. There has to be sophisticated implication, what are yur thoughts?

Art, Craft, and Technology; the conceptual question?
Oddly I am up to my neck in the last industrial revolution. I am taking 17th century craft history right now and you could have asked your question in 1750 and got the same response from me. This has been going on forever yes. And some machines can further arts and craft. And artists are also known for using those machines in ways that they were not specifically designed for. Which has sparked a tonne of fads yes. But I am not scared of the computer either.





Sadly the flip side to your argument is that people are getting detached from the comprehension of hand craft. What it really takes to build something by hand and what those hours are worth. Why pay $200 for some kitchenware, even though it's made by hand, when you can get it in plastic for $10. That mentality I think will cause a lot of damage.





I honestly think in 50 years artists and things like carpenters, god even people who can cook with whole foods and use recipes for that matter, will be a nostalgic thing of the past.
Reply:wow. i understand your question. It is hard to answer, there is a lot to be said about art and how technology has influenced it and why. Why are mass produced crafts and statues so popular? if it was made by a machine it is no work of art. It will not gain value, it will only devalue. A true work of art is an investement. I don't think technology will infringe on this concept.





Perhaps this technology is being embraced because of advertising, affordability, ease of use (like with digital vs. old style cameras)...and because it is everywhere you look in our corporatized world.





also, people don't want to be technophobes. people want to embrace technology, because we feel it is moving forward. If i could offer mankind some advice on making this step though, it would be a cautionary against cheapening the human element, in art and in all things. A person is still a better thinker and doer than a machine, a person gives individual touches to each craft, artwork, or rocking-chair, instead of making a thousand copies of a prototype.





you could write an essay, a really long one, exploring this topic. i hope i gave you a little food for thought, you gave me some, lol.