Art Vs Craft, Pricing & the Whathaveyou

[Buck-Beaver]

On the contrary, an artist needs to be concerned with technique, to develop their technique, in order to successfully convey the idea behind what they are creating. Da Vinci wasn't concerned with technique? Michelangelo wasn't concerned with technique?

Oh yes, of course artists are concerned with technique. And just because someone works in what is traditionally considered a "craft" doesn't mean they can't be artistic or an artists. It's just that traditionally craft focuses on process while art focuses on concept. The distinction is mostly academic and most people don't know or care what the difference is anyways.

When I was writing my last post I was thinking about Ronnie Burkett. His making of marionettes is traditionally defined as a craft, but at the same time you can't say that Ronnie Burkett's overall work isn't art. So he uses a craft (marionettes) as a means to an artistic end (a theatrical performance). He's an artist, but the marionette building he does is a craft. I'm not suggesting that working at a craft or using craft techniques means you're not an artist!

There are lots of people who fall in to both categories and the line between the two has become very blurred. I think you're right about "crafter/craftsman" having a negative connotation Stacey and I think it is because so many bad sock monkeys & plastic-canvas doll houses get sold at church fairs. People hear "craft" and they think of activities like making something with Popsicle sticks and construction paper and that's not what the word is actually supposed to mean.

 

[Whispers]

Thanks whispers. I definitely feel as though I've improved, I just feel like I'm not improving fast enough, ya know?

Part of the quantity thing for me is that I figure something new out each time I make one and honestly just can't make enough. I'm a fabric junkie & have furs I haven't even touched. So many ideas, so little time. I'm very impatient, apparently.

No problem and oh yeah I KNOW the feeling, my foam cutting skills, GOD How I wish I got better at them faster but you can't rush skill. Don't rush and just relax and improvement will come!

And Oh I have the same thing, I have over 10 yards of different colored furry fleece I plan to use for different fraggle-type puppets but still haven't started one. Just relax and you never know, stuff you have saved up may come in handy a few years down the road.