I was watching a short video of a 14-year-old blacksmith/bladesmith who made the statement that “we are becoming Illiterate with our hands”. What do you think? There is a fair size makers community that is growing, all thou mostly high tech disciplines, CNC machines, 3D printers, Laser cutters, and engravers, but also a fair amount of traditional woodworkers, blacksmiths, carpenters, potters, tinsmiths, etc. So is the new generation becoming Illiterate to making things with their hands? Is it because our generation isn’t using our hands as much? Is it because it’s too hard to make a living being a craftsperson? Is it too hard to find mentors or teachers in these handmade crafts? Are the tools to expensive and hard to find? I have always used my hands since I was young. Drawing, building, fixing bikes and so on. In my careers, I have always worked with my hands and creativity as well but it’s been a struggle all the way. If you think we are becoming Illiterate with our hands, how do we fix this?
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