USA

Ralph Waldo Emerson was a 19th-century American philosopher and writer. His ideas on nature and individualism inspired many American craftsmen and artists to embrace a form of creation deeply rooted in the philosophy of simplicity and authenticity. Emerson, a key figure in the Transcendentalist movement, advocated the idea that art should be an expression of the human soul and intimate relationship with nature. In his famous essay Nature, he asserted that beauty and truth are to be found in simplicity and harmony with the natural environment. These ideas had a profound influence on craft movements in the United States, particularly in disciplines such as woodworking, ceramics and fine crafts. Many craftsmen and designers, particularly in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, adopted a similar philosophy, focusing on simple, functional yet beautiful creations, often inspired by nature, with an emphasis on handwork. This contributed to the emergence of the Arts and Crafts movement in the United States, which aimed to return to more artisanal, less industrialized production methods. So, although Emerson was not himself a craftsman, his philosophical influence played a key role in the evolution of craft and design in the United States, inspiring a more thoughtful, nature-rooted approach for many designers.