image by Ed McGuinniss
Hello all. Greenbeanbaby and Isabella are under the weather so
Diego and I are blogging in their absence. This is her husband, Ramel
checking in. Diego is on our other mac playing some PBS kids games,
but he told me he is working too, so he can get some credit on this
post.
The topic of the today is one many have discussed, and argued
about. (Hence the part 1178) I know Ellia and myself have engaged in
some pretty heavy debates over this topic as well.
My stance on the issue has been swayed some since marrying a craft
person who is also an artist. I will be honest, in the beginning I was
one sided. As an artist I viewed craft work as a option for people who
couldn't create things themselves. I viewed crafters as second class
artist. You could imagine how this would infuriate Ellia. My
arguments were based on what I knew about craft. Which was very
little. Craft in my mind was macoroni necklaces and cut out googly
eyes.
For me...this was craft:
Created by Miss
Susan from www.kckpl.lib.ks.us/YS/crafts/GRDHOGPT.HTM
Honest and truly that was craft in my eyes. The even mention of the word craft brought up images of hot glue guns and yarn. Now greenbean fought hard to convince me that craft was just as important as traditional art, and that people who craft are just as talented as artist. Seeing my wife work first hand has helped me personally shake some of the negative views attached to the word crafter. However every artist doesn't have the luxury to be married to and artist and craft-person.
I mean to say someone is a crafts-person....is that a cut? Would you rather be viewed as an artist or a person who crafts. Does it really matter when it comes down to the end product being created? I believe there are craftsmen and women who take their work very serious who can crank out beautiful jewelery, handbags, greeting cards, etc...that make some so called artist looked "second-hand." However...as much as I would love their work, it would be hard for me to call jewelry, art.
example:
from www.orientaltrading.com/products/C342843.jsp
This is beautiful...plain and simple...in my opinion at least...but I would still not call this art.
The person who created this is very talented, and has a skill above the average person, otherwise they wouldn't be selling these items. The act of making an item such as this is very artistic, but I wouldn't say the person is an artist based on this item alone.
image by Alex Ross
Is there anything wrong with being a crafter? Craftswomen and men need to stand tall, unite and celebrate the work they create. There shouldn't be a rush to defend the word craft.
A person who goes out and purchases items such as beads, wire, and other trinkets, and fashions them together in my mind maybe creative but not an artist...once again just my opinion. Now a person who creates things from scratch, burns and pours the metals, burns and shapes the wire....that person is definitely an artist.
But wait...what about the artist who buys canvas, and purchases paint??? That person still creates, mixes, blends themselves, and there is nothing you can buy, that will paint, sculpt, or draw for you. Sure there are tools that will enhance artist ability, but not change what they can create.
So who wins?
image by Alex Ross
The two categories really cannot be compared.
I think the debate will rage on forever...but I think new arguments need to arise. Why can't crafts be crafts and art be art. Why is there such a need to merge the two different realms in which people create. Why can't we all just get along? (Had to throw that one in there) One main topic in the discussion should be artist having a greater respect for the word crafts. I know many artist and craftswomen and craftsmen read this blog, so give me your opinions on this topic.
