Are we artisans?

[Les Symonds]

I'm not trying to repeat the old debate that has run (and run) on this forum , about the terms 'Craft' and 'Craftsman', and of how they seem to be becoming devalued in today's society, but.....I don't recall, in all that debate, that I heard the word 'Artisan' being used.
Various dictionaries that I have to hand, define the term in slightly different ways, but all agree that an artisan is a skilled craftsperson, who, through the expressive content of his or her work, may attain the rank of an artist.
Perhaps it's time that we jumped on the marketing bandwagon and capitalised on the fact that artisan bakers and artisan brewers are already occupying!

Les

[The Bowler Hatted Turner]

I fully agree with this.
Signed...The Bowler Hatted Artisan.
 

[Eric Harvey]

here here,cheers,

Eric The Artisan.

Think I might adopt this as my name from hereon in haha.

[bodrighywood]

I have seen the term used occasionally but agree that it does sound much better. AAWGB - Association of Artisan Woodturners of Great Britain>

Pete

[Graham]

It has word appeal 

[Bryan Milham]

Les,

I know this word very well. It is part of my (now ex) military world.

To me an Artisan is an expert tradesperson (any trade), one who has served his time from apprentice and journyman. He is now a master of his craft and therefore able to takeon his own apprentices and teach them the trade. In the REME that was a long in the tooth Staff Sergent who wanted to do his job and not gain further promotion. The mainstay of any REME workshop, if you had a problem, he was the man you asked, he'd seen it all, done it all and knew the answers.

Above this is the Artificer, a Tradesman Manager, so in our terms, someone who has gone from Journeyman or Artisan to a Managerial role. Again in teh REME it is someone who from the rank of Sergent, undertook specialised training to progress beyond SSgt to (hopefully) Artificer Sgt Major.

Both words are from the Latin language.

[ken rodgers]

Like Bryan I am fully aware of the artisan role
I was an Artificer in the Royal Navy,serving an apprentiship and then gaining practical experience over several years. We were highly skilled engineers that maintained ,operated and repaired all types of machinery.If a ships engines failed mid Atlantic there is no Rac/AA to be called out so parts would have to be made onboard or a temporary repair made.
Sadly the services no longer carry out craft apprenticeships ,artificers have been replaced by technicians who only receive basic craft training.
Although my training was in the mechanical field a lot of what I learnt also applies to my woodturning - especially pride in what I produce.
Regards
Ken

[Graham]

I am just a hobbyist who wants to be able to let someone see his work and KNOW they won't be able to find serious fault with it. ( loooooong way to go  )

[The Bowler Hatted Turner]

Ah that would make you a UTA then Graham. An "under training artisan". 

[woodndesign]

Just what is in a name ... Bryan and Ken has summed it up so well, Time Served... Can this be done today for Turning.

Before a chance in circumstances an I got into Motor Vehicle, I'd trained first with the ATC with the wish to enter RAF Service. Sets a high standard I've never failed to up hold.

I'd done my full apprenticeship in C&G Motor Vehicle, which with a Construction Firm meant working every element, small/large plant equipment, commercial fleet as well as the bosses an family cars. At times in the carpenters shop !! Never done any bricking/plastering.

Later in my Careers I'd got to be called a Technician, which today is just a job changing parts, once the computer tells one what has failed, gone the fact of understanding how all the parts work nor as I'd have had to of done find the fault an overhauling a component.

We do need to define the term as to how a Woodturner is categorized as few may not even wish to be associated as such and like why standards an quality is never undertaken.

Cheers  David

[teddyt]

My dear old dad told me many years ago "this world is made up entirely of b*llsh*t and B*ll*cks, the trick to sucess is telling the difference"

so.... A domestic refuse engineer OR dustman?

at the end of the day you empty bins!!!...but I'll be an artisan so long as I don't have to wear a freakin' beret!!!!

[The Bowler Hatted Turner]

I think berets and striped tee shirts are de rigour for artisans, do bowler hats count?

[bodrighywood]

I think berets and striped tee shirts are de rigour for artisans, do bowler hats count?

Only if you are posh

Pete

[Eric Harvey]

can you still buy bowler hats,haven`t seen one for years ?

[burywoodturners]

you could try ebay, I sold one on there some years ago, whether you will get one your size is another question!
See you at the club party
on