Art versus Craft

[Ubercounselor]

I had a former TBDer (who shall remain nameless) look at my art on my site and declare it "craft." I wanted to kick her ass, but it did get me thinking about the difference. I mean, it brings us back around to "what is art" in a way, but is craft a subset of art? Is craft a kind of art? Do you have to be formally educated in art to be an artist or can an intuit artist like me call themself an artist?

[Eye4Art]

Art is a form of expression and it includes a wide range of forms and types. Craft is more defined in a specific type of supply used to produce it. I've seen many crafts that are definitely works of art. "Craftsmen" often train for years. Mosaic tile and stained glass are examples of crafts that certainly can turn out to be masterpieces of art.
I think anybody can call himself/herself an artist if he/she practices the skill and creates pieces from the heart.

[Walter Andujar]

The difference between art and crafts is quite clear. Crafts are things that we " re- create " alegoric to our culture or folcklre. Its a memoir of our cultural folcklore. In art you don"t re- create, rather, you are creating. The designs you do on your gourds is creation,therefore, art. This is something that was in you and you find a way to express it. These expresions of your inner thoughts or desires are unique in every artist.When a craftman builds something he is expressing the collective memoir of his culture and folcklore.

[Sedona7]

this has been an intriguing discussion...dealt with the conversations and thoughts myself. I paint, I create, I do whatever stikes me..not famous and for years have given things away because something or someone inspires what I make or do... I have a regular j.o.b. to survive but my mind and heart are always aware of the other. Music is a fuel... I think many of the answers here will help you...our value comes not from what someone else says but what we believe and where our own value comes from...within, just like the creative artisitc skills, the movements of a craftman who makes designs furniture ...before a sculpture is made it is a block of stone but someone 'sees' it.. or we 'feel it' we are gifted to be able to express it! Others have different gifts that make no sense to me but that is ok, it takes all of us to make the world go round.

Just my 2 cents...love to sometime see some of your work/art/creations ; ) Have a happy weekend!

[Dave]

I just finished an art show that included over 200 artist from around the country. Some great work was shown, to include painting, woodwork, sculpture, drawing, jewelry, glass work and pottery. One booth had pot holders. Sorry, but it just did not fit. Many of the artists that have done this show for years, were appalled and are not going to participate next year. The pot holders were nice, but I'm sorry. They did not belong there. Even some of the attendees that frequent this show every year thought it brought the quality of the show down.