Deciphering the Craft of the Laser Cutter

This research investigates how the experiential knowledge of a maker can be transformed through collaboration with laser technology. The research is situated within craft theory, evaluating the new tool developed through the research against the craft attributes of the hand-made, skill, risk and technology. Practice led experimental research developed a new digital drawing tool, recording the path of the lasercutter using a range of different drawing pens to yield a variety of different crafted marks. All areas of the results show a hybridisation of craft techniques and knowledge of technology, to achieve a collaborative approach to making. The significance of the research is that it demonstrates how collaborations between the handmade and digital can introduce craft thinking into digital workflows, creating a digital craft methodology which can be applied to further technologies in the future.