Karen-Joyce Giese-Koch began In Their Hands in 1996, searching for the most traditional art forms, after years of buying crafts for friends and family members. As an artist and craftsperson, she has always loved the work that comes from people’s hands. Raised cross-culturally by Dutch-Indonesian parents in the United States, she also has had a long fascination with the traditions of others. She has a BA in anthropology, and MA in arts management.
 
Karen-Joyce and the artisan
modeling traditional Mien Hilltribe wedding clothes. Northern Thailand
To buy these pants
 
Why Support Traditional Artisans?
Traditional artisans preserve cultural heritage, crafting techniques and their society's aesthetic through the creation of their crafts. By presenting their beliefs, stories, and history in their art forms, these artisans also reinforce a sense of community and create pride in who they are. By selling their work, they also provide an income for themselves and their families without leaving their communities to find work elsewhere.
  

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Karen-Joyce travelling by ferry between islands in eastern Indonesia.
 


Karen-Joyce with ikat weavers in Flores Island, Indonesia

  
 
Organizations ITH supports:
Cultural Survival
Aid to Artisans
Crafts Center
CoopAmerica
Green Business Network
(Coop America members receive a free gift: send an email to intheirhands@yahoo.com)
[Click on these organizations to find out more about them]
In Their Hands Mission
In Their Hands supports traditional artisans' efforts by buying directly from the artisans, artisan cooperatives and artisan supported organizations. After learning from (and photographing) the artisans, In Their Hands sets out, by teaching about the artisans and crafting process and explaining the meaning of the crafts, to educate others about the need to preserve traditional cultures.
  
 

Handmade felt birds by Karen-Joyce  
    Felt sculptures of native birds in New Mexico.
See felt birds page

Travel Photography and Adventure Travel Writing
Karen-Joyce is an art photographer and travel writer. See more travel photography.
To receive an email travelogue of my most recent trip, send an email to intheirhands@yahoo.com.

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email: intheirhands@yahoo.com
All photographs in this website copyright 2003 K.J. Giese-Koch and may not be reproduced in any form.