What does 'Artisan' mean?
Artisan - Definition of artisan in English:
noun
A worker in a skilled trade, especially one that involves making things by hand
Origin
Mid 16th century: from French, from Italian artigiano, based on Latin artitus, past participle of artire'instruct in the arts', from ars, art- 'art'.
Artisanal
adjective
1. Pertaining to or noting a person skilled in an applied art:
2. Pertaining to or noting a high-quality or distinctive product made in small quantities, usually by hand or using traditional methods.
made by a skilled person
an ‘applied art‘, which means any art that applies aesthetic principles to the design or decoration of useful objects, such as industrial design, bookmaking, illustration, printmaking,and commercial art
‘high-quality‘ means just that - of a superior quality than mass produced items
distinctive product which is ‘unique’
small quantities = the more limited the batch, the more unique it is
‘by hand’ means that it was not mass produced. It was created via labor of love’ by a skilled person.
traditional methods mean there have ‘ties to the past’, before technology, before scaled industries, before megabrands started enslaving the Third World.
Why do we value Artisans?
Last December, the New York Times offered a list of words for the dumpster, tired and worn-out terms ready for retirement in 2014. Topping the list was “artisan,” a term used in the marketing of products ranging from small-batch pickles and preserves to Tostitos tortilla chips and Starbucks sandwiches.
Regardless of mainstream attempts to co-opt the label, a truly artisanal movement—based in craft, community, tradition, and innovation—is alive and kicking. For these businesses, growth is not something to take lightly; it’s a delicate dance between staying true to one’s values while adapting to new economies of scale.
What does it mean to be an ethical, sustainable, and a viable artisan in today’s world, and how do consumers distinguish the real deal from the impostors?
Beyond a dedication to their craft, the following areas are important to artisans
Commitment to local farms and community.
Flexibility and creativity.
Transparency and education.
Hands-on quality control.
Employee health and respect.
Innovation in moderation.
Passing on their craft.
Collaboration, not competition.
As support for handcrafted goods grows, is there room for more
truly artisanal businesses?
There’s a spirit of ‘the more the merrier, and we encourage and promote collaboration within our markets. We have watched the businesses work together, combining their unique skills to create more unique produce, adding value and opening more doors. It has been a great success, and it’s always wonderful to see our members and traders work together – opening doors, finding opportunities, developing and working together.
So, What is 'Artisan' ?
Our Traders are ‘Artisans’
Without our traders to showcase we wouldn’t have a market, and we are exceptionally proud of the standard of traders we work with who deliver the very finest mouth watering foods, unusual, quirky, intricate crafts, and exquisite design led art that has been produced in the local area.
Our traders are some of the most knowledgeable, friendly people, all eager to share their stories and never happier than when they are talking about what they have made. They themselves are the producers – people who grow, make, create, style, rear, craft or bake the products that they sell.
As a result, our markets have become a vast repository of culinary knowledge, artisan craftsmanship and skills from previous generations. It’s a place to explore, to ask questions, to discover new flavours, stumble upon raw talent, unearth entrepreneurship, nurture bygone mastery, and to savour a unique, buzzing atmosphere.
No market exists without its traders.
Our members are at the heart of our organisation,
and they work with us to help deliver the fantastic markets you visit.
They have created a dynamic and creative community, always supportive of each other's successes and eager to help and collaborate
with one another whenever possible.
We are proud to be in a position to showcase the best artisan producers in the area.
We work closely with our traders aiming to ensure that our markets meet their needs. As a not for profit group we are driven not by profits but ensuring the market works for the traders that use it and the local community. As a result our traders often tell us that our market is their ‘favourite market’.
An empowered organisation is one in which individuals have the knowledge, skill, desire and opportunity to personally succeed in a way that leads to collective organisational success.
- Stephen Covey-
