Even in making objects, as soon as you start to get the feeling that some form of craft is coming into place, you realize that everything is wrong. Because craft is really just a fetish. It is wasted energy. It's about the object, some space which has nothing to do with the human.
This quote delves into the philosophy of artistic creation and the essence of craftsmanship. It challenges the traditional reverence for craft as the ultimate goal in making art or objects, suggesting that an overemphasis on technique can distract from the true purpose or meaning. The idea that craft can become a fetish implies that fixating on the technical perfection or superficial aesthetics may lead to a superficial understanding of art, ignoring the deeper human spirit or context behind the creation. By acknowledging that craft is 'wasted energy,' the quote advocates for a more genuine engagement with the creative process—focusing on ideas, emotions, and the human experience rather than just physical form or technical prowess. It encourages artists and creators to look beyond surface-level aesthetics and to consider the space and relationships their work inhabits, perhaps suggesting that the meaning of an object resides not merely in its craftsmanship but in its connection to human existence or perception. This perspective invites a reevaluation of what constitutes true artistry, championing spontaneity, authenticity, and the conceptual over the purely technical, ultimately positing that art should transcend the superficial and reflect deeper human truths.
