Exploring Kriya Through Tensions in Design-Making as Craft Designer-Maker

Paper Abstract:
Kriya, as described by S.P. Gustami, is a unique art form that encompasses symbolic, aesthetic, philosophical, and functional values. It achieves this by striking a balance between craftsmanship and intangible cultural aesthetic value. Interestingly, recent kriya practices have witnessed a shift towards a more design-oriented approach.



This paper aims to delve into the thought process of a designer-maker within the context of kriya. The author's ongoing PhD research project focuses on understanding the concept of form in kriya and the dual role played by a designer-maker. The author utilizes autoethnography and reflexive creative practice research methodologies to conduct a self-reflective experiment involving the creation of tableware in order to explore this dual role. While the experiment is still ongoing, initial findings suggest that this dual role creates ongoing tension rather than a seamless relationship in the design-making process. Studying this conflict and tension potentially provides valuable insights into the dynamic relationship between the designer and maker roles, whether within oneself as a designer-maker or as separate contributors in a collaborative environment.



To provide a contextual framework for the discussion, this paper will draw parallels with co-design approaches in design research and community development projects in Takalar and Sitiwinangun. By highlighting the similarities, the paper suggests potential benefits in resolving conflicts and establishing an effective dialogue between contributors in the creation of kriya artefacts. This research contributes to understanding the complexity within the designer-maker role and provides insights for practitioners and researchers in the field of kriya and collaborative design.