Definition and Importance of the Artist-Craftsperson in the Indonesian Craft Industry

Abstract

This study examined how craftsperson behave in their creative process journey to define relevant terms and describe the importance of artist-craftsperson in the craft industry. It adopted grounded theory to allow for empirical observations in the field and move interactively between data generation and data analysis as well as abstract themes emerging from data with the ultimate goal of organizing data through categories, typologies, or new theories. The subjects were 39 craftspersons of rattan furniture from the home industry cluster, who were selected for formal interviews, meeting the requirements of purposive sampling in qualitative research. The results showed that artist-craftspersons in craft industry mobility have an extremely limited definition; have broad insights into specialized knowledge and significant experience in seeking alternative materials and new techniques as well as closeness to nature; are innovative and novel in the self-expression inherent in their work; have excellent mastery of techniques and skills as well as natural abilities to be developed and preserved; consider pressure as a challenge to improvement; and view useful and beautiful work as a goal with the best quality and competitive prices even though the products can provide intrinsic stimulation. The importance of the artist-craftsperson for the furniture handicraft industry lies in developing quality craft, improving on contemporary craft designs, supporting the development of the handicraft industry, motivating young craftspersons, and preserving values and identity. This study also found that ordinary craftspersons are concurrently craftsperson-traders or artist-craftspersons who generally have workshops and art shops in their home environment. Ordinary craftspersons and artist-craftspersons have the same skills and potential but different mindsets. Ordinary craftspersons tend to fulfill market demand to meet the needs of life (basic income), causing them to lose creativity.