Browsing by Subject "http://www.yso.fi/onto/yso/p19159"

The aim of this study was to analyze the flow experiences of craft and art professionals and how these experiences are linked to happiness. Flow experience was defined by the typical flow characteristics determined by Csikszentmihalyi. The flow experiences were analyzed through the various stages of the creative design and manufacturing processes. It was assumed that creative work offers diverse opportunities for the emergence of flow experiences. This study also examined the impact of the community and environment of Fiskars on the flow experiences. Ten craft and art professionals who work in Fiskars were interviewed for the study. The method of research was content analysis. The data associated with the main research question was analyzed with theoretical connections to flow theory. The analysis of the other research questions was conducted on the basis of the data. In practice, themes relevant to the study were derived from the data. The flow experiences of craft and art professionals occur on the design and manufacturing stages of the creative process. The difference between these was what created the flow experience: the challenging problem solution or the smooth routine. The flow experience in the creative process usually occurs when control is achieved. Concentration appeared to be the key feature of the flow experiences. The environment in Fiskars enabled the essential features of the flow experience, such as concentration. The association of creative people was seen as inspiring. Self-realization and the possibility of self-relevant work brought happiness to the lives of artisans and art professionals. Flow was attached to the broader happiness, as well as to moments of success. In terms of happiness the whole creative process was more crucial than a single flow experience. The strong intrinsic motivation led artisan and art professionals to implement personal ideas and thoughts in their work. The autonomy of the individual appears to be essential for achieving flow and happiness.