Welcome back to The Tamnation Gilsey Podcast, where we float upon the detritus of modern culture—sometimes literally, sometimes just in spirit. I’m James Mitchell, and today’s episode is called “Craft and Code.” We’re diving into this fascinating intersection where old-world craftsmanship meets the digital frontier. Now, if you caught our last episode, we talked a lot about how skilled trades like roofing and welding are holding their own against the rise of AI—how there’s something about the human touch, the judgment, the adaptability, that machines just can’t quite replicate. Well, today, we’re taking that idea a step further, looking at how artisans are actually embracing technology, not fighting it.So, let’s start with the tools. You’ve got these digital marvels—3D printers, CNC machines, laser cutters—showing up in workshops that, a decade ago, might’ve only had chisels and lathes. I remember visiting this workshop in Brooklyn, not too long ago. The place smelled like sawdust and coffee, and there was this woodworker—let’s call him Sam—who was hand-carving these beautiful chair legs. But right next to him, humming away, was a CNC router, carving out intricate patterns that would’ve taken days by hand. And Sam, he wasn’t threatened by the machine. He was using it to do the heavy lifting, then finishing each piece by hand, adding those little imperfections that make it, well, human.And it’s not just woodworkers. Ceramicists are using 3D modeling software to design patterns that would be almost impossible to sketch out by hand. They’ll print a mold, pour the clay, and then go in with their own tools to refine the details. It’s this blend—digital precision meets hand-finished artistry. I mean, it’s kind of wild to think about, right? The same hands that might’ve learned their craft from a grandparent are now working side by side with a computer. But it’s not about replacing tradition—it’s about expanding what’s possible.Now, you might be wondering—if we’ve got machines that can churn out perfect replicas, why do people still crave the handmade? Why pay more for something that’s, let’s be honest, sometimes a little less perfect? There’s this real hunger for authenticity, for something that feels like it has a story. I came across this entrepreneur—she started making jewelry by hand, just as a hobby, and began selling it online. Before she knew it, she had a global following. People from all over the world wanted her pieces, not just because they were beautiful, but because they could see the process, the little quirks, the fingerprints in the clay.And here’s where digital platforms come in. They’re not just a marketplace—they’re a stage. Artisans can share their process, their philosophy, even their mistakes, and that transparency builds trust. But it does raise a question: if you’re using digital tools—say, a laser cutter or a 3D printer—does that make your work less authentic? I don’t know if there’s a clear answer. I mean, authenticity isn’t about the absence of technology, it’s about intention, right? If the maker’s hand is still guiding the process, if there’s still that spark of creativity, does it really matter if a computer helped along the way? I might be wrong, but I think the line between handmade and machine-made is getting blurrier, and maybe that’s not such a bad thing.Speaking of blurring lines, let’s talk about the next generation of makers. These are folks who grew up with the internet, who see YouTube tutorials and online forums as just as important as a traditional apprenticeship. I’ve seen these digital communities pop up—people teaching themselves blacksmithing, pottery, even glassblowing, all from their living rooms. There’s this artisan collective I heard about—they’re teaching weaving, but instead of a dusty classroom, they’re live-streaming classes to students all over the world. It’s kind of amazing, honestly.And it’s not just about learning—it’s about sharing heritage. I’ll give you a personal example. My family’s got this old quilt, passed down for generations. It’s a little faded, a little frayed at the edges, but every patch tells a story. My niece—she’s in her twenties, grew up with a smartphone in her hand—decided she wanted to learn quilting. But instead of asking my mom, she went straight to YouTube. Found a whole community of quilters, sharing tips, patterns, even livestreaming their progress. Now, she’s making her own quilts, blending traditional patterns with her own digital designs. It’s heritage, but it’s also innovation.So, as we look ahead, it’s clear that the future of craftsmanship isn’t about choosing between tradition and technology—it’s about weaving them together. Whether you’re hand-carving a chair leg or designing a quilt pattern on a tablet, it’s all part of the same story. That’s it for today’s episode of The Tamnation Gilsey Podcast. Thanks for floating along with me. We’ll keep exploring these cultural currents next time—until then, keep your hands busy and your mind open.

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Craft and Code