Electronic Art and Animation Catalog 157 Art Gallery Theoretical Papers New Media, New Craft?

This paper will examine the use of computer programming in rela-tionship to the practice and approach of traditional crafts, paying specific attention to the ethos of the Arts and Crafts Movement as a model for assessing the use and status of computation in a creative context. In order to consider the role of programming in the context of traditional craft, it is important to provide a brief outline relating to the ethos and practice of craft. What is understood by the term craft, what are its characteristics and outcomes? After considering this, it will then be possible to apply this understanding to the role of programming and its engagement with digital material. Understanding Craft At the heart of a definition of any craft practice lies the idea of ap-plied, skilled understanding and mastery of material (McCullough, 1998, 22). Regardless of medium, craftspersons must demon-strate an understanding and mastery of their will upon their chose