EMBRACING THE DIGITAL TO THE HAND MADE : Bridging digital technology with glassblowing moulds crafting methods

Abstract This report accompanies my Master project in the fields of ceramic and glass, the CRAFT! MA program, Konstfack. In this project I fuse my industrial design toolbox and my current engagement in open-source 3D printing technology with my ceramic and glass craft practice. The first pair brings in notions of innovation and an active approach towards technological change, while the second carry ancient craft methods and knowledge. I develop and make 3D printers for clay and use them as an experimental ceramic work method. In this research based practice I use ceramics as the material for 3D printed glassblowing moulds. This act represents a link between ceramic and glass crafts, one that was known to the ancient Roman craftsmen. A view on craft and digital innovation Although the computer is in use for several decades now, in most crafts it is still used mainly as an assistive device and we seem not to look at it as a professional tool; as a craft tool. New methods of making are out there. We need to have two toolboxes now: Our traditional one and our new digital one. We can already CAD our concepts, control CNC machines and build 3D-printers customised to our growing new practice. We share our new knowledge on open-source platforms, teach each other through the web (and around the globe) how to apply digital techniques to our craft. We now have the opportunity to join hands with the movements of democratisation of contemporary manufacturing techniques and reinvent our practice, our tools and what new-craft could be