Eyes that shape boats

Based on fieldwork undertaken among French shipwrights, this article explores the different ways of seeing employed by these artisans in their craft and in the conception of their profession. From the gaze in action to projected vision, shipwrights use their eyes in many different ways. There is a particular emphasis on their learning methods as they provide an opportunity for conversations explaining the role of these different visual faculties which are difficult to grasp among experienced shipwrights.