> [!NOTE]+ Meta > Author:: Jennifer Way > Reference:: https://news.unt.edu/faculty-expert-feature/craft-has-seen-surge-during-pandemic-turning-art-amid-turmoil-not-new-says > Date:: 2023 > Tags:: #warp > WeftLinks:: [[Peace and justice value of craft]] > Claim:: [[Claim - Craft can foster cultural tolerance]] [[Claim - Craft helps in recovery from war]] > [!SUMMARY] Summary > Jennifer Way reflects on the role of craft in recovery from WW1 ### Highlights Turning to craft in a time of turmoil is not unprecedented, according to art historian Jennifer Way, a professor in the [College of Visual Arts and Design](https://art.unt.edu) at the [University of North Texas](https://www.unt.edu). People have used craft as a means for therapy and wellness, cultural heritage and political activism in periods of conflict throughout history In her 2019 book, “The Politics of Vietnamese Craft: American Diplomacy and Domestication,” she explores the political significance of craft, design and visual culture for American diplomacy with Vietnam during the mid-20th century. Her forthcoming book will look at why and how Americans have made craft for therapeutic purposes during World War I, World War II, the Global War on Terror and COVID-19 pandemic, which many consider a type of war For many Americans craft is a cultural form that emerged in the U.S. during the 19th century as a hand-based fabrication valued especially for its differences from machine-made goods. Before then, craft comprised the creation, materials, histories and uses of many objects of everyday life your upcoming book, “Deploying Craft: Crafting Wellness and Healing in Contexts of War?”