Here is the story...
In today’s rapidly changing and uncertain society, a lot of people are seeking alternative ways of living, based on sustainable development and conscious consumption. The interest in handcrafted and ethically produced objects is growing and craft is said to be the luxury of tomorrow. We are fed up with industrial mass production and are looking for unique, authentic and personal objects. We are no longer interested in just the finished product, but the entire process of which materials are used, to how and by whom the objects are produced and distributed.
But crafts are much more than unique objects. They are prescious expressions of cultures and traditions, of human creativity and resourcefulness. Many traditional crafting skills in the western world are about to get lost, since craftmanship these days is seen as unprofitable and not appealing to the younger generations. Craft is a unique part of our traditons and cultures, and if neglecting it we risk loosing an important part of our cultural identity. An identity without roots is like a story without a beginning. Raising awareness of the importance and value of crafts is therefore important.
In developing countries the main reason for crafting is economical, even though the work is time consuming and the income often very low. Crafting is a natural part of daily life and mainly done by women who pass on the skills to their daughters. The growing interest in hand crafted products, togehter with today’s internet shopping culture offers major opportunities for craftmanship in both western and developing countries. By raising the awareness and value of handmade products we can help to improve lives and insure the sustainabilty of traditional crafting skills.
SISTERS OF CRAFT is an independent study about women craft cooperatives in selected cultures. The project is a collaboration between Finnish spatial designer Minna Östman and Belgian/Australian photographer Dieter Berghmans, supported by the Swedish Cultural Foundation in Finland. The project started in summer 2013, by visiting several women craft groups in Tanzania. With growing interest, the work will also include Aboriginal, Balinese and Finnish women craft and result in a traveling exhibition and a photo book.
The first exhibition will be held in Finland in August 2014 and the goal is to exhibit the project in all participating countries within time.
SISTERS OF CRAFT wants to raise awareness about the value of craft and encourage to conscious consumption. By focusing on selected women craft cooperatives we want to share similarities and differences in cultural expressions and living conditions. We want to make the women feel proud of their craft and inspire them to continue their important work. It is said that when you help women you help the whole society. We are all part of a bigger whole - as women and as humans.
But crafts are much more than unique objects. They are prescious expressions of cultures and traditions, of human creativity and resourcefulness. Many traditional crafting skills in the western world are about to get lost, since craftmanship these days is seen as unprofitable and not appealing to the younger generations. Craft is a unique part of our traditons and cultures, and if neglecting it we risk loosing an important part of our cultural identity. An identity without roots is like a story without a beginning. Raising awareness of the importance and value of crafts is therefore important.
In developing countries the main reason for crafting is economical, even though the work is time consuming and the income often very low. Crafting is a natural part of daily life and mainly done by women who pass on the skills to their daughters. The growing interest in hand crafted products, togehter with today’s internet shopping culture offers major opportunities for craftmanship in both western and developing countries. By raising the awareness and value of handmade products we can help to improve lives and insure the sustainabilty of traditional crafting skills.
SISTERS OF CRAFT is an independent study about women craft cooperatives in selected cultures. The project is a collaboration between Finnish spatial designer Minna Östman and Belgian/Australian photographer Dieter Berghmans, supported by the Swedish Cultural Foundation in Finland. The project started in summer 2013, by visiting several women craft groups in Tanzania. With growing interest, the work will also include Aboriginal, Balinese and Finnish women craft and result in a traveling exhibition and a photo book.
The first exhibition will be held in Finland in August 2014 and the goal is to exhibit the project in all participating countries within time.
SISTERS OF CRAFT wants to raise awareness about the value of craft and encourage to conscious consumption. By focusing on selected women craft cooperatives we want to share similarities and differences in cultural expressions and living conditions. We want to make the women feel proud of their craft and inspire them to continue their important work. It is said that when you help women you help the whole society. We are all part of a bigger whole - as women and as humans.
Through this forum we want to keep you updated on the project development as well as share the cultural experiences and opportunities the project is giving us. By showcasing selected women craft cooperatives, fair-trade businesses and organizations we come across, we wish to inspire to more conscious and sustainable ways of consuming and traveling. This is our way of giving something back to the amazing people and cultures we are able to meet.
Thanks for joining our journey!
Minna & Dieter
Thanks for joining our journey!
Minna & Dieter
