LINHARES on tue 5 nov 96
Helloooo Clayart,
I am always amazed when I see another post on art vs. craft. It seems a
very simple mater to me. Craft is something that displays craftsmanship(
or craftspersonhoodship for the politically correct crowd).
Craftsmanship is the exhibition of finely honed skills and technique. It
is not purchased in a kit at the Arts&Crafts store, that's hobby craft or
something. I guess people have a hard time grasping the craft as
craftsmanship idea in an instant society, where knowledge and skill are
something to pick up at the window of your nearest drive through
university.
Art exists in more of a framework than a definition. If the definition
is too general more things are art than the general art world wants to
let in, but if the definition is too specific then too many things are
left out. It becomes a matter of opinion. My current definition/opinion
in progress for art is: An individual expression intended for display or
presentation. Of course, under this definition/opinion this letter, in
fact this whole list, gets to be art, but I would rather be inclusive
than exclusive.
The point is that no matter what your personal definition / opinion for
art is, it is very easy to discern from craft as craftsmanship. An
object can be either, neither or both. What's so funny is that in these
days where the label (or the price tag) on the object is more important
than the object itself people feel the need to define their craft object
as art when in fact, in these days of instant everything, craftsmanship
may have more virtue.
Not only written without a scowl, but laughing at our predicament.
Paul in Ohio where it's time to go make the pots.
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