Costume designer Katrina Hodge recently launched Handcrafted Modern, an online platform for artisan makers. “In our ephemeral, disposable world, we’re increasingly drawn to the tactile, the slow, the natural – methods and rituals swept away by time, artefacts of hope and vessels for connection.
Here: What does Handcrafted Modern do?
Katrina Hodge: We’re a digital multi-brand store dedicated to connecting skilled artisans with people who appreciate what it means to make by hand. Through thoughtful curation and storytelling, we hope to share both the beauty of handmade pieces and the deeper value of craft and the people behind it.
H: What was the need?
KH: We saw a need for a place to celebrate and support craft as a medium, sharing knowledge, practices and pieces by makers in this field. Our goal is to strengthen and enrich the culture of craft, both within Aotearoa and internationally. For us, growth is about care and sustainability, always with our makers front of mind.
H: How have you chosen the makers?
KH: Our selection embraces humanistic qualities, celebrating patina, singular artworks and small runs. We reached out to long-established, under-the-radar and emerging makers across Aotearoa whose work we knew and loved, supporting local artisans. From there, we’re expanding to include an international community of artists, makers and collectors.
H: What do you look for in a piece?
KH: I am personally drawn to tactility and colour, and objects that are crafted by hand and reflect the personality of their makers. There is this internal dialogue I have with myself when a piece resonates – it’s as though it draws you in and takes you on a journey of how it was made.
H: Why are we returning to craft?
KH: There’s a collective yearning for a more meaningful relationship with the objects we surround ourselves with. We’re becoming more aware of the impact of wastefulness, and with that awareness comes a deeper appreciation for things made to last. People want to invest in pieces that carry value beyond their material – pieces that tell a story, and that are made to be cherished.
Handcrafted Modern
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