KUCHING: Handicrafts artisans all over the world face challenges when technology takes over their world. But on a positive note, they can also improve their productivity, quality and skills with help of technology.
New Sarawak Tribune managed to interview participants who attended the World Craft Cities Network Forum in conjunction with the 10th Biennial World Eco-Fibre and Textile (WEFT) Forum, Exhibition and Fashion Show held at the new Sarawak Museum Campus yesterday.
Artisans from Asia region are of the view that technology can help them preserve and promote the traditional ways of making their crafts which have been passed down from generations to generations. It can also help them to promote their products online worldwide.
Chiramet C of Khon Kaen, Thailand said in this digital era, crafting and technology could be matched together to sustain the handicrafts and textile industry.
“What I see is that when making crafts, the production by hand may not be enough to support the market. But if we use technology, it is much easier and thus produces more.
“But we cannot 100 per cent use technology, or else the ‘charm’ of the crafts will disappear,” he cautioned.
He said, therefore, technology in a way could support the craft industry in the areas of its production.
Chiramet, who was attending the forum for the first time in Kuching, was also displaying and selling original silk scarves produced in Khon Kaen.
Aziz Murtazaev of Uzbekistan said in this modern time, the textile industry was facing quite a challenge because people could just easily copy an original or traditional design then reprint it and have it manufactured by machines.
“It is a challenge because we (artisans) are not that intellectually protected. But at the same time, the digital era can help us to promote our products via the Internet or social media,” he said.
He added in order to preserve the traditional ways of making crafts or Ikat weaving (a dying art), more documentation should be done.
There should be more forums such as WEFT so that people could learn and understand more about the textile histories of different cultures and countries.
“Forums and events like this help craftsmen to unite under one umbrella. We are also proud to be part of this event because this forum in a way recognises our craftworks,” he said, while showing some of the Ikat clothes sold at the booth during the forum.
Whereas Bina Rao, a fashion and textile designer from India, one of the founders of WEFT, views that technology poses great challenges not only on the textile industry but also the environment.
“We are aware that in the fashion industry today, all environmental approaches are required,” she said.
Bina pointed out that handmade products were not necessarily expensive. It might take time but the benefits would be long lasting.
“I would like to convey to all young designers not to use synthetic and non-bio degradable fabrics because our planet has reached its saturation point.
“In each manufactured garment produce, 30 per cent of the production is a non-disposable based. So, it is harming the planet and that adds to pollution,” she pointed out, adding that materials such as natural cotton, silk or fibre should be used instead.
The three-day forum, which ended yesterday, was attended by speakers, scholars, fashion designers, and craft artists from 20 countries, namely Indonesia, Philippines, Singapore, India, Bangladesh, Kyrgyzstan, Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan Oman, Iran, Japan, USA, China, Thailand, Taiwan, China, Laos, Britain, Australia, and Malaysia.
