The term 'craft' has two interpretations – the European and the American.

The two meanings have merged into our modern understanding of the word, with a tendency to lean towards the American definition.

The American term 'craft' reflects something hand-made, a hobby, and an act of escapism during one's free time. The patchwork quilt is a good representation of the American meaning of craft.                                                                                                                                                           (Designs by Katkuta.) 

The European craft, on the other hand, is the basis on which design was borne. The European craft finds its roots in Italy: for example, in vitrage, blown glass, and wood carvings.

From these crafts came forth many artistic directions, which over the years became more and more industrial. The growing wealthy class wanted to collect beautiful items which would reflect their social status. In every European castle, you would find a variety of craft technologies, from upholstery and wallpaper, to rugs and artwork. The practice of these crafts was passed on from father to son, and became a tradition that was increasingly industrial. This continued until the process became so mechanical that machines erased the need for the artisan.

It can be said that the division between design, which is the planning phase, and craft, which is the creation phase was born in the last 150-years. The American influence of mass production had grown due to economic reasons. It was an age which strove for increased production, under as little investment as possible.

Today, craft gets little attention from the consumer design audiences. To them, craft is handmade, repetitive and low tech. It is thought of something which is in a way, 'blue collar.' Take, for example, artist Jeff Koons. He designs and creates his works. However, the actual implementation of his planning is done by anonymous hired workers.                                                                                                                                                   (The works of artist Jeff Koons.)

In an era in which industrialization has become a sort of higher cause, much of the design is focused on practicality. This is done by the cheapening of the manufacturing process, and through the use of replacement materials (i.e. plastic instead of glass, lamination in place of wood). One of the main considerations of a designer today is the final cost of the product to the consumer.

Along with the growth of affordable, well designed, industrially produced items, there comes a desire for unique items on the part of the consumer. In the process of this increasing desire for unique, 'one-of' or limited edition products, there comes a regeneration of 'craft' in its original form. This results in industrial products which are created in the expression of craft.

At the highest levels of industry, they now recognize the consumer's desire for 'handmade' items. Thus, processes have been developed which create products with a 'handmade' look.

Giovani Corvaja, an Italian jeweler, defines himself as a craftsman, and works using techniques from the 15th century. He creates an average of one item every six months. Each of his items is commercial, but not industrial, as they are individually made.

                                                                                                                                                   (Designs by Giovani Corvaja.)

Today, the art of 'craft' is extremely appreciated. As the capabilities of the industrialization of the craft process grow, the individuality of craft will grow as well.