Man has always had the need to recreate the world as he sees it through the prism of his own subjectivity. It is this constant interplay of intake and output that secures the evolutionary process. However, the crafts have always played second fiddle to the Arts but it is a thin or even non-existent line that distinguishes these two facets of human endeavour. Who or what can indeed define or quantify the aesthetic or artistic value of a given piece of work? Mankind's great artistic milestones have always figured the efforts and prowess of numerous artisans, who have, to a great extent, been overshadowed by the so-called masters, those select few for whom the sun rose and, even if only in death, have known the rays of acclaim. It is to these anonymous men and women who have made our world and lives a more beautiful place that we pay tribute.

The crafts have allowed for greater flexibility of visual effects, media and plasticity, bringing art to the utensils and artifacts that populate every day life, ranging from pottery, gold, silver and tinsmithery, weaving, carving to the delicate embroidery and crochet that embellish our garments and bedding.

The crafts are firmly embedded in Lusitanian culture and although automation has, for the most part, taken over, our craftsman and women have weathered many storms and tenaciously held on to the traditional arts that have been passed down over the centuries, but all too frequently facing increasing isolation and indifference from the younger generations, and too often called a dying breed. However, some of our artisans did manage to break free from the fetters of anonymity, names such as Rosa Ramalho of São Martinho dos Galegos, County of Barcelos, who sublimated her imaginary and dream world in her ceramic figures whilst employing excellent ceramic techniques.

As long as Man feels the need to recreate and embellish the world that surrounds him, so long shall the crafts and the artisan live!

This page wishes to contribute to the awareness and recognition of these people's work, ensuring that their legacy is not forgotten amongst others and their own!