"Weaving is digital, in the sense that it relies on digits -- on fingers -- for its production. Digits, understood in this way, tend to emphasise the sensory, and more particularly, the tactile aspects both of technology and of culture per se. Thus, the digital involves a palpable relationality between producer, product, and culture. Digits imply a connection- a tactile, lived connection - to a wide array of cultural meanings, woven by the community as a whole, and handed from one generation to the next."
This passage best describes the link of digital and hand made items in DIY culture. It implies that they are one in the same. How do you not feel the key board as you are typing on html code? the camera as you adjust to snap another picture? the video camera when shooting a movie? the mouse as you manipulate your work in the various computer programs? And all of this is done with your fingers, by extension your palms, wrists, forearms, elbows shoulders and the rest of you. Digital craft is hand made. Even if you remove the tactile feeling of a project there is still the emotional behind it. The rage, joy, exhaustion, validation, and so on. All the same emotions that go into the hours of crocheting a scarf, knitting a sweater, carving a kayak, sewing a dress, are weaving and stringing together necklaces. Digital craft is not that far from hand made craft, just that the 'technology' of the two are different. The people are the same. The feelings are the same.
[Notes on authors will be posted after class]
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