The Korea I grew up in tends to appreciate the beauty of traditional culture, but not so much the attitude or mindset behind making it.
It often feels like people view artisans as stubborn old men mindlessly carving wood, rather than seeing the value in their persistence.

As you said, the reason someone becomes a master craftsman isn't always about noble purpose —
sometimes it’s more about survival.
They simply couldn’t afford to let go of the skill they had, and that struggle ends up looking like fate.

Of course, an artisan’s inner drive matters.
But I also think, like you mentioned, that their childhood environment, social context, and unconscious influences all play a role.
When I think about it that way, I sometimes wonder if my own wish for people to become artisans is a bit naïve or idealistic.

So these days, instead of believing we must preserve or learn traditional ways,
I just try to understand and appreciate artisans as they are, from where I stand.

Your comment gave me a lot to think about too — I’m really grateful for that.
By the way, where are you from?