Technology is advancing at a rapid pace, but what doest that means for the future of some artisanal techniques? It's becoming common for machines to create objects that once could only be made by hand but will the value and importance of man-made objects be impacted in some way by all this? Lately we’ve been debating the differences between machine-made and human-made objects, and how their value vary from each other considering their impact on our lives and society in the present and near future.

So to start lets start by clearly defining what, in our opinion, is what.

What are Machine-Made Objects?

A clear explanation would be of objects created using machinery, robots, or other forms of technology. Typically when the objects needs precision, consistency, and efficiency, at a much faster pace than human-made objects. Machine-made objects are often found in areas such as manufacturing, construction, and transportation, where speed and efficiency are important.

Right now a great example of what’s Machine-Made and its limits is the work of one of the most influential designer artist, Sebastian Errazuriz, that besides the poetry of its piece, “Second Nature”, it takes the machine dexterity to an absolutely new level.

What are Human-Made Objects?

On the other hand, man made objects, normally use tools such as knives, hammers, or some type of low tech machines. They are typically known by their uniqueness, creativity, and the personal touch of their authors. Man made objects are often found in areas such as art, fashion, and craft, where individuality and personal expression are valued.

"As machines continue to become more advanced, the value of human creativity and craftsmanship will only increase. The ability to imagine and create something that is truly unique is what sets humans apart from machines." - John Maeda

We’ve been working for some time now with Gargula Gotica when it comes to especial products made by hand, and we know all the downsides of the this artisanal technique but we also know how much emotional value all this work gives to an inanimate object.

The Value of Machine-Made Objects

Objects created by machines can be considered less valuable than man-made objects because of their lack of uniqueness, but they have several important benefits. It’s impossible to forget the fact that machine-made objects can be created faster and sometimes at a lower cost than man-made objects, with a level of precision that some areas really need to have such as engineering or medical tools.

The Value of Human-Made Objects

What makes a man-made object more valuable than a more precise version of it? The main seeling point right now is their uniqueness and personal touch. They are one-of-a-kind creations, even when not intended too, that reflect the creativity, skill of their creators. Additionally, human-made objects often have cultural, historical, or emotional significance, making them more valuable than machine-made objects in many cases, depending on who’s buying it.

"As machines continue to replace human labor, the value of handmade goods will decline. In the future, the only things that will retain their value are those that cannot be replicated by machines." - Martin Ford

The Impact of Technology on Object Creation

As technology continues to advance, the line between machine-made and human-made objects is becoming increasingly blurred. Machines are becoming more capable of performing tasks that were once the exclusive domain of humans, and human-made objects are becoming more and more influenced by technology. This has led to a new era of object creation, where machines and humans are working together to create objects that are faster, more precise, and more creative than ever before.

A good example of this partnership can be found in the work of Brimet Silva, The ArtCreTech, and what he’s been doing with Gengcork. By using parametric, and the help of CNC machinery, he creates an emotional functional piece with great impact. Proving that not all machine made objects are devoid of emotional value.

In the modern world, technology has made it possible to create almost anything with the help of machines. From mass-produced goods to customized products, the capabilities of machines have grown exponentially in recent years. However, there is still a debate over whether machine-made objects have the same value as those made by hand.

The debate over the value of machine-made versus human-made objects is not a new one. However, as technology continues to advance, it is becoming increasingly important to consider the impact it is having on the value of objects. Some argue that as machines become more advanced, they will be able to create objects that are just as unique and creative as those made by hand. However, there are still those who believe that the personal touch and human experience that goes into creating an object cannot be replicated by a machine.

Recently we had the chance to participate in a ceramic workshop and as an exercise to try to fight machines with their own tricks, almost has a reponse to the overwhelming speed that technology has been replacing the handlabor, we tried to came up with something that technology couldn’t replicate by inspiring on technology itself. As softwares use plugins to turn themselfs better and more complete, we wanted to use the human body of a potter as the main software and any tampering elements as the plugin. In this case we used alchool as the tampering element and wanted to feel how it would impact the final object itself. More than a simple object, Plugin-A (from Plugin > Alchool) is a set of three pieces that turn into a visual representation of three stages of a human base experience that won’t ever be the same. By using a different base object ( I started with something simple that I could properly do) , by being different potters to do it, or by using different tampering elements all results will be different and unique in a way a machine couldn’t undestand… for now.

"The value of a product lies in the meaning we assign to it, not in its price or production method." - Daniel Gilbert, psychologist and author of "Stumbling on Happiness."

For some people, the value of an object might be tied to the creativity, skill, and effort put into its creation by a human, making a handmade object more valuable. Others might see the precision and consistency of a machine-made object as a desirable attribute, making it just as valuable, if not more so.

In many cases, the value of an object is also influenced by factors such as rarity, cultural significance, and historical importance, rather than solely the method of its creation. For example, a machine-made replica of a famous piece of art might be considered less valuable than an original, handmade piece, due to its lack of rarity and uniqueness.

In short, whether a machine-made object is valued the same as a human-made one can be subjective and depend on various factors. It's up to the individual to decide what they value and what gives an object its worth.

It's possible that AI and advanced technology could one day create objects that are just as unique and creative as those made by humans. In fact, this is already happening in some areas such as digital art, where AI algorithms can be trained to generate unique and imaginative images. However, the value of human-made objects goes beyond just their uniqueness and creativity. They are often valued for the emotional and cultural significance they hold, as well as the connection they create between the creator and the object.

Furthermore, even if machines can create unique and creative objects, there is still the argument that the personal touch and human experience that goes into creating an object by hand cannot be replicated by a machine. Additionally, there are also aspects of craftsmanship and skill that come into play when a human creates an object, which cannot be fully replicated by a machine.

"Craftsmanship represents a way of life and a philosophy that values the creation of objects with meaning and purpose, as well as a respect for the materials and techniques used." - James Krenov, woodworker and author of "A Cabinetmaker's Notebook."

It's possible that as technology continues to advance, the definition of what constitutes a human-made object may change, but for now, the value of human-made objects extends beyond just their uniqueness and creativity.

The textile industry is a good example of how technology has impacted the production of hand-made goods. The widespread adoption of machines in the textile industry has led to an increase in the speed, efficiency, and volume of production, making it possible to produce large quantities of textiles at a relatively low cost.

However, it's worth noting that the value placed on hand-made textiles has not disappeared completely. There is still a market for hand-made textiles, particularly among those who appreciate the unique qualities and personal touch that comes with hand-made products. Additionally, hand-made textiles may still be preferred in certain niche markets, such as those that place a premium on sustainable and eco-friendly production methods. Loewe has been doing a great work balancing both of these worlds while giving more and more power to these artisanal techniques lauching pieces that are mostly made by traditional techniques and using this storytelling to brand themselfs has a patron of the “handmade”.

"In a world where everything is mass-produced, the things we choose to make by hand take on a new level of significance. They become symbols of our values, our beliefs, and our connection to the past." - Bre Pettis, maker and founder of MakerBot Industries.

In conclusion, the value of an object is subjective and depends on the individual's perception of what is valuable. While machine-made objects may offer consistency and affordability, human-made objects offer a level of uniqueness, creativity, and personal touch that cannot be replicated by machines. Whether you prefer machine-made or human-made objects, it is important to consider both the benefits and drawbacks of each and make a decision, if possible, that aligns with your personal values and beliefs.