In this second webinar of the series, the Baguio Arts and Crafts Collective, Inc. (BACCI) jumpstarts the conversation about the convergence of craft-making, technology, and innovation. Professor Monica Gayle Alcudia, Manager of the FabLab at the University of Philippines, Cebu led the Creative Talk on May 19, from 6 to 7 p.m., with the topic “The Future is Handmade: Product Design and Craftsmanship in the Digital Age.” BACCI Board of Directors member Adelaida Lim moderated the session.
The Philippine National Commission for UNESCO, also known as UNACOM, was represented by Deputy Executive Director Lindsay Barrientos. Barrientos highlighted the significance of BACCI’s series of Creative Talks in helping UNESCO achieve its thrusts especially in protecting heritage and culture and fostering creativity. These conversations, along with other initiatives by the local government unit and the private sector, will help Baguio City continue to develop itself as a creative city.
The Future is Handmade: Negotiating the Tension between Craft and Technology
Alcudia comes from an industrial design background, having worked with world-renowned designer Kenneth Cobonpue. She also manages the FabLab or fabrication laboratory at UP Cebu, where they work with local designers, fine arts, and design students. as well as local artisans. The FabLab falls under the Fine Arts program of the University.
She acknowledges that there has always been this tension between crafts, usually anchored on the traditional, and technology, which is seen as something that can dilute craftsmanship, or worse, make it obsolete. However, she notes that she has seen how this relationship between the two can be harnessed to gain a better understanding of traditional design and find ways to innovate. She cites the FabCraft movement in Peru as a movement that has successfully found a balance between the two. Fabrication labs all across Latin America are said to have helped bring about a revival of crafts and craft-making, according to one study.
How to Leverage Technology in Craft-making
Rather than look at technology as a threat to artisans and craft-making, Alcudia says it is important to demonstrate how technology can aid in designing and craft-making. In their FabLab, they have helped local designers streamline their design processes, through the use of 3D printers, CNC milling machines, and laser cutters. They can easily execute product prototypes and make adjustments because everything is done digitally.
The potential uses of fabrication technologies in traditional crafts have yet to be explored, and this is where continuing education and collaboration with artisans and artisan groups comes in.
The webinar was live-streamed on the BACCI Facebook page, and is currently available for viewing for those who missed it. The next webinar of the series is on May 26, Wednesday, 6 to 7pm, and will feature award-winning architect Aris Go talking about “IMAGINING A CREATIVE CIRCUIT: Dream or Reality?” To register for future sessions, click here.