DIY Definition

DIY was something that I was always aware of but never really took the time to fully understand. Before this class DIY was mostly a phrase that I linked to anything that I “ did by myself”. Mentally, I never really put the label of DIY on my creative process. My DIY definition involves the description of a process that is always evolving, not only is the process in which we make craft evolving but our perceptions of how we go about doing it and viewing it as well. DIY means different things for different people. There are many sociocultural aspects when it comes to understanding the movement as a whole. There are many ways DIY craft is interpreted and how everyone should benefit from the movement.  I feel as though one of the key aspects of DIY are the perceptions of what art are and where they originated from. In the Atwill readings the concept of “techne” is explained. To me techne IS art, craftsmanship and a cornerstone in explaining DIY craft. DIY craft is a form of art and techne that creates a path that both transgresses and redefines a boundary. A techne or craft is never one tangible “thing”. It can be described as a power, an ideology that guides, a strategy, a cunningly conceived plan, a coincidence, a painting, an installation (the list literally can go on). Techne resists the ideology of what normal is and often can be seen as in a stage to transformation. It can be perceived as good or evil, dull or bright, brilliant  of genius, or even mediocre.(48) Techne marks intervention and invention, and may spark a conflict or end a transgression. Fate and necessity may set temporary limits for invention of craft, but the boundaries are perpetually redrawn by creation of the craft itself. An equally important part of understanding DIY craft is the role it plays in a world dominated by corporate consumerism.  Karl Marx and William Morris took turns establishing the difference between man and machine in order to help define the meaning of DIY in this world better. It is important to understand them as separate entities at first to understand them as whole, especially as technology and traditional DIY craft becomes blended. Terkel and Jackson exemplify this meaning even more when it comes down to explaining what a pro-amateur is . DIY can be a difficult art and craft to fit in to the consumer world, especially when it comes down to today’s store competition, yet it is Morris and Marx that encouraged unification in order to keep the handcraft strong. The Crafters Manifesto, groups like stitch n bitch and the art of craftivism both promote unity and strength of DIY culture. In order to preserve the ideology of DIY one needs to also understand the blend of aspects between technology and the handicraft. As we evolve we must change our perceptions of what DIY is even if that means including a non traditional form of handicraft such as the digital arts. Blending both digital arts and handicrafts and seeing how they influence each other can be beneficial both to the classroom and to the individual. Understanding both will help individuals cross transcultural boundaries, as well as justice and gender boundaries. Overall, Providing a welcoming attitude for the future of DIY will help us find a balance between both worlds so the benefits can be shared by all. DIY can allow a whole new aspect for teaching, as well as understanding the world around us and in the end create unity on a multi level plane for the teacher, student, artist, and entrepreneur.