Topics for discussion:
- Do you think that Creaft Ethnographic Protocol could be applied for crafts documentation?
- What could be the benefits of it?
- Could this documentation methodology enhance the current approach to documenting crafts? For example, in the context of the UNESCO’s inscription process for Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity?
Capturing Glassblowers' Gestures: Unlocking Craft Insights Through Craeft's Unique Protocol Combining Anthropology and Computer Science
September 2023 Meeting: Craeft partners gathered at Cerfav to explore glass workshops and digitise artisanal gestures.
Multidisciplinary Craeft Protocol: First-time implementation of a protocol combining anthropology and digital sciences.
Recording Sessions: Focused on glassblowing and blowtorch sculpting with master artisans.
Egocentric Recordings: First-person videos help artisans evaluate, refine skills, and transfer knowledge.
Interviews: Pre- and post-session interviews, especially video elicitation, enhance self-awareness and confidence.
Future Steps: Pilot tests will expand the protocol to other crafts like marble carving and tapestry weaving.
©Gavriela Senteri , ARMINES (2023). First-person view of Maxime Rosseel molding the gobelet in a mold using the “soufflé tourné” technique. (left) ©Mad’in Europe (2023). Behind the scenes of the recording at CERFAV Glass School. (right)
In September 2023, Craeft partners from ten European countries, including anthropologists, cognitive and digital scientists, AI experts, and specialists in craft education, gathered at Cerfav, the European Center for Research and Training in Glass Arts, located in the historic town of Vannes-le-Châtel in northeastern France.
The meeting aimed to explore Cerfav’s glass workshops, observe the techniques used by artisans and students, and initiate sessions on digitizing artisanal gestures. This event marked the first implementation of the multidisciplinary Craeft protocol, adding a new dimension to the project.
The consortium focused on recording and understanding the intricate techniques of glassblowing and blowtorch sculpting. These recordings, conducted with master artisans Johanna Pierret and Maxime Rosseel, were part of a research protocol developed by anthropologist Arnaud Dubois (Cnam) and research engineer Sotiris Manitsaris (ARMINES). The protocol combines egocentric video recordings and interviews to capture and analyze the complex gestures of craftwork, enabling professionals to evaluate and improve their skills.
Egocentric recordings provide a first-person perspective of handwork, allowing artisans to gain insights into their tacit knowledge and refine their techniques. These recordings also promote knowledge transfer by documenting expertise for apprentices and colleagues, even in remote areas.
Interviews before and after the recordings further enhance self-awareness, with post-session “video elicitation” helping craft masters articulate their gestures and boost their confidence in their skills.
Moving forward, the Craeft partners will conduct additional pilot tests on other crafts, such as marble carving, Aubusson tapestry weaving, and silversmithing, to assess the protocol’s broader applicability.
One Response
I was able to participate in the prototype of this protocol in the previous Mingei project, which was a very enriching experience.