The love of making things need not be confined to the physical world —electronic form giving can also be a rewarding hands-on experience. In this investigation of the possibility of craft in the digital realm, Malcolm McCullough observes that the emergence of computation as a medium, rather than just a set of tools, suggests a growing correspondence between digital work and traditional craft.

Personal and conversational in tone, with examples and illustrations drawn from a variety of disciplines, Abstracting Craft shows that anyone who gives form with software, whether in architecture, painting, animating, modeling, simulating, or manufacturing, is practicing personal knowledge and producing visual artifacts that, although not material, are nevertheless products of the hands, eyes, and mind.

Chapter by chapter, McCullough builds a case for upholding humane traits and values during the formative stages of new practices in digital media. He covers the nature of hand-eye coordination; the working context of the image culture; aspects of tool usage and medium appreciation; uses and limitations of symbolic methods; issues in human-computer interaction; geometric constructions and abstract methods in design; the necessity of improvisation; and the personal worth of work.

For those new to computing, McCullough offers an inside view of what the technology is like, what the important technical issues are, and how creative computing fits within a larger intellectual history. Specialists in human-computer interaction will find an interesting case study of the anthropological and psychological issues that matter to designers. Artificial intelligence researchers will be reminded that much activity fails to fit articulable formalisms. Aesthetic theorists will find a curiously developed case of neostructuralism, and cultural critics will be asked to imagine a praxis in which technology no longer represents an authoritarian opposition. Finally, the unheralded legions of digital craftspersons will find a full-blown acknowledgment of their artistry and humanity.

About the Author

Malcolm McCullough is Associate Professor of Architecture at the Harvard University Graduate School of Design.

"About this title" may belong to another edition of this title.

Store Description

The Reader's Corner is such fun,it's too bad you have to buy our books on line. We have eight foot tall outside bookshelves across the entire front of the store. There is a money slot in the door for night sales, which go to support National Public Radio. Inside, which can be too crowded at times, are surprisingly good books, only 1% are ever listed on-line. We also sell records, music cd's, comic books, mags, computer software and games. Best of all is the found art decorating every spare spot. The motto on the front door: NO SHOOTING, NO SMOKING, NO MOONING THE MANAGEMENT.

Visit Seller's Storefront

Seller's business information

Reader's Corner, Inc.
Reader's Corner, Inc, 3201 Hillsborough Street, Raleigh, NC, 27607, U.S.A.

Sale & Shipping Terms

Terms of Sale

Visa, Mastercard, Amex, Discover, Paypal or check. Shipping by USPS Priority Mail $6.50 first volume/$4 each add. vol.This is for octavo sized books only, oversize books will be more. USPS bookrate $3.50 first vol/$1.75 each add. vol. (I cover all Dust Jackets with Brodart Mylar protectors).(For EU: Reader's Corner, 3201 Hillsborough Street, Raleigh N.C., 27607, readcorner@aol.com)

Shipping Terms

Shipping costs are based on books weighing 2.2 LB, or 1 KG. If your book order is heavy or oversized, we may contact you to let you know extra shipping is required.

Shipping rates within U.S.A.

Shipping rates within U.S.A.
Order quantity	4 to 10 business days	3 to 6 business days
First item	US$ 5.50	US$ 14.00

Delivery times are set by sellers and vary by carrier and location. Orders passing through Customs may face delays and buyers are responsible for any associated duties or fees. Sellers may contact you regarding additional charges to cover any increased costs to ship your items.