Arts and Crafts

A recent comment to this blog raised a big question - one on which I have often pondered, and which I had previously avoided addressing . . .


In response to my son's definition of an "artist" vs. an "artisan", a reader wrote:



Interesting - in my mind, an "artist" is someone who is skillful in creating fine art. An artisan is someone who is skillful in creating fine crafts. Funny how we can all have different definitions of things!



The reader's definition of "artist" vs. "artisan" is as fair as any - but it raises a deeper question. What, then, is "fine art", and what is "fine craft"?



Now, I have previously avoided addressing this question in this forum because I know it can arouse deep passions. Please, if you choose to read further, recognize that, like Socrates, I know nothing: I am only raising questions.



Implicit to this whole question is a value judgement. Historically, "art" has been considered superior to "craft". Some people who create splendid things feel hurt when their work is referred to as "craft" and not "art" - they feel this places their accomplishments on a lower plane.



We may not intend such a judgment - I am sure the writer of the above comment didn't mean to disparage anyone - but it is there nonetheless. It is a connotation inherent to the English language.



My dictionary, Merriam-Webster's Collegiate, 11th Ed., defines art like this: "the conscious use of skill and creative imagination, esp. in the production of aesthetic objects". (emphasis mine)



Okay....



Now, "craft" is defined thus: "an occupation or trade requiring manual dexterity or artistic skill". (again, my emphasis)



So, based on those two definitions, we have some apparent overlap: art involves creating aesthetic objects; craft involves artistic skill.



Further, I looked for a definition of "fine art", and found this: "art concerned primarily with the creation of beautiful objects".



That's certainly vague.



Years ago, in debating this whole question with another artist friend of mine, she said she had heard that "art" is purely decorative, while "craft" is anything which can be used for a practical purpose.



Hmmm.



Does that definition make sense? Consider:



Donna Foley works in fiber. She raises her own sheep, then shears them, cleans & cards their wool, dyes it and spins it. She then weaves incredible pieces - some, purely decorative: tapestries and hangings designed to adorn a wall. But some of her work is functional, too: rugs to both beautify and warm a floor, scarves to look chic while warding off chills, placemats to enhance a table - and keep crumbs off it.



Is she an artist, or an artisan - or a crafts person?



She is also a member of the Adirondack Artists' Guild - does that perforce make her an artist?



Another Guild member, of whose work I wrote in my previous post, is Mary Lou Reid. As a potter, she makes all manner of useful things: mugs, bowls, plates, candleholders, and so forth. She also creates purely decorative objects - wall hangings, mobiles, and the like.



Is she an artist? Apparently, the Guild members think so. I do, too.



Here's another consideration.



What about meaning, message?



I have previously blogged about why people create art - often it is for the purpose of expressing a truth, an opinion, a belief.



Is that intention necessary, for a work to be called art? If so, then I am certainly no artist, for most of my work is created for pleasure - my own, and the viewers'.



But at the same time, cannot meaning be inferred, even when it is not explicit? And, is not a celebration of pure beauty, or of evident life, or of that which we love, a valid meaning?



Hmmm, again.



Okay, so how about a kid who braids a lanyard out of plastic strips at summer camp - surely that is craft - not art?



Wait a minute.



This also hooks us on the thorn of intention. If the kid is using the only material available, and is investing skill into doing the best job he or she is able to do, and intends the finished piece as an expression of love given to a parent, say, or a counsellor - would that not be art?



What do YOU think?



My immediate response to the comment which got this ball rolling was this:



I wouldn't necessarily disagree with you - I'm not sure my son's definition is "correct". However, your definition then raises the question: what is art, and what is craft?I have heard many answers to this in the past - but I'm not sure I buy any of them. As far as I can see, the line between art & craft is thin and fuzzy, or maybe non-existant...Readers? Any thoughts?



And I will reiterate: it seems to me, these distinctions are tenuous at best.



And I will further reiterate: Readers? Thoughts?