Meet a cobbler in Rome still shaping leather by hand, a wood carver in Kyoto where wood is chiseled with centuries of refinement, and a weaver in Bogota using techniques passed down through generations. And now, with the launch of Homo Faber in the United States, meet America’s culture bearers, contemporary makers, and artisans.
Homo Faber is an international cultural movement dedicated to sharing the work and skill of artisans while preserving exceptional craft traditions worldwide. A cornerstone of the movement is Homo Faber Guide, a digital platform showcasing thousands of talented international artisans. What began in 2020 as an initiative to map excellence in craftsmanship in Europe has since expanded across continents to encompass around 5,000 artisans from more than 50 countries. Following the Guide’s recent expansion into South Africa and Eswatini, it is now set to launch in the US on May 7, with American makers joining an evolving digital atlas of craft practice, material knowledge, and cultural continuity.
“Though founded in Europe, Homo Faber was always intended to be a global movement. As a powerhouse of contemporary craftsmanship, the USA has a vital role to play in shaping our work,” says Alberto Cavalli, Executive Director of the Michelangelo Foundation. “Over the past two years, as we have connected with makers, experts and enthusiasts across the country, we have been continually inspired by the fresh energy, unique vision and extraordinary talent of US-based craft artists. The Homo Faber community will benefit from their participation, while our projects will offer them new opportunities to progress their craft, increase their visibility, and reach new audiences across the world.”
Across continents, handmade traditions have emerged from distinct cultures and materials, yet they share a common language of process and skill. A carved surface, a woven fabric, a vessel—each of these craft objects carries knowledge that is both deeply local and universally understood. These practices share a commitment to making as a way of preserving history, expressing identity, and shaping the future.
Donald Friedlich holding workpiece.
