Design + Craft

The new craft.

The gap between craft and design in the nineteenth century has now become a fine line.
This contemporary piece of craft, originally guild-taught, shows how it has become mass produced because of its useful function. Although its original craft has been aesthetically modified throughout time the foundation of the bicycle has remained the same and the main evolution has become the division of labour.
John Ruskin believed that the liberal and mechanical principles of design influenced this division between social classes where the poor were categorised as a "tool" for crafting. This went against Ruskin and William Morris' belief that the artist "must feel" free and have an understanding of nature.
This example shows how the social division no longer limits what is defined as craft or design and instead creates a common interest in art which in turn unites people and as Ruskin states, "takes a serious view of human destiny."