Norman van der Sluys on wed 13 dec 00
>Craftsmen work in existing traditions.
>Artists contribute NEW techniques, information, or ideas to the
>dialogue of art.
>There is no distinction in the above for considerations of
>quality, which could be a fuzzy concept.
>bamboo karen
I see some real problems here.
I do not agree that craftsmen do not develop new techniques. In fact, a true
craftsman is constantly solving problems in a creative manner. Those who do
not are mere "production workers."
Your emphasis on NEW in connection with fine art is, in my opinion, in
error. Novelty does not "elevate" an object to the realm of fine art any
more than absense of functionality does. Consider J. S. Bach, a composer
working within existing tradition and creating music in a style that was
old-fashioned in its day, or Ingres, the epitome of an academic artist, who
produced exquisitely drawn images.
Consider the difference between fine artist and commercial artist in the 2d
field. The commercial artist is concerned with expressing someone else's
ideas visually. The fine artist expresses his own ideas and experiences.
Content is what separates the 2d craftsman from the 2d "artist", not
technique or novelty. If there is less technical innovation in the work of
the commercial artist, it is because dependability of result is important to
his livelihood.
I submit that having something to say is essential to the creation of fine
art. If that presents difficulties in quantification, so be it. The very
nature of "art" depends on it. It is this need to express that drives the
true artist, and that is lacking in many products of the MFA mills.
Having said that, I do not believe that the fine artist is "better" than the
craftsman, they both have important roles in our culture and the visual
industries.
Norm van der Sluys
By the shore of Lake Michigan, finished "expressing" myself and donning
boots and parka to brave the white stuff.
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