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Skillscape 2013

This project is an important part of SSW’s positioning within the context of Aberdeenshire and the Northeast of Scotland. Over the last years we have been gathering people, photographs and interviews, in order to create a new online access point; mapping and raising the visibility of these regional craft practices.

Artists
For a directory of participating artists and craftspeople, please visit the project website.

www.skillscape.ssw.org.uk

Description
The idea for the Skillscape project emerged in 2010 as SSW started to look for new ways to engage with traditional skills and cultural resources in its immediate surroundings.

The search for new materials, forms and skills and the ambition to generate a broader public discussion led to The Lost Hand exhibition curated by SSW in 2011.

SSW invited master craftspeople – to demonstrate and talk about their work – into the SSW workshop, highlighting the quality and breadth of skills from the area.

During 2012/13 SSW developed a small but growing network of master craftspeople, and is now uploading a number of profiles into the Skillscape website. Throughout the Skillscape research we have made connections across the region which have enabled us to provide a forum in which craftspeople can share their preoccupations, source materials, exchange skills and establish new collaborations.

Methodology
The methodology we used in this project consisted of audio-recorded semi-structured interviews, note taking at informal meetings, photography and video. This information served to inform a final report as well as a website with 28 craftspeople profiles. Interviews have been transcribed and uploaded alongside photographs of craft skills, and a geographical representation of where those craft skills are being practiced.

Further reading:

Skillscape website here

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