The Art of Craft

Twice in the last two weeks I had discussions with people about the perceived value of craftsmanship. I have also personally debated myself about whether what I do is  art or craft. I have finally come to a personal resolve to this quandary, but I’m not sure the rest of the world would agree.

As you may, or may not, know, there is a particular snobbery about “true” art. Some believe only the true masters like van Gogh, daVinci, Rembrandt and those that follow the master’s style of realism are considered true artists. I have heard people say that modern art, including works made by Pollock, Picasso, and Warhol, is not art.

But I wonder what is the definition of art? Why do some artists refuse to be associated with art shows that include craftsmanship? Why must there be labels on what is and isn’t acceptable forms of art? Most of the time, I think people compare the word craft to utilitarian work, like sewing and woodwork. The word “craft” often seems demeaning, and conjures up things less worthy of the title “art.” When people think of the word “craft” most think of craft stores and craft fairs where dime store yarn is used to make toilet paper cozies.

But the same term, “craft,” is also used to define people like Frank Lloyd Wright,  George Nakashima, and Sam Maloof. These men are recognized for their artistic ability with their craft of wood working. At what point does a person who is craftsman become an artist? Why do most craftsman never get recognized as artists? When does a craft become viewed as art?

Take the Quilts of Gee’s Bend. These quilts were made by poor southern women, who used only what they had on hand to make blankets for their families. Somewhere along the line, these blankets were noticed as something more than craft and since 2002 have been on a touring exhibit at such places as Whitney Museum of American Art in NY and The Museum of Fine Arts in Houston. Why have these blankets received the acknowledgment of true art but the blankets at the craft show are just craft? The women of Gee’s Bend never meant for their quilts to be anything but bed coverings.

To me the art is in the craft. A person who can take a block of wood, scraps of fabric, or globs of paint and rework the material into something beautiful is an artist. Of course beauty is indeed in the eye of the beholder, but in my mind a talented craftsman is well-worthy to carry the title of artist. The term artist  is broad in my mind and encompasses many fields.

It takes skill and practice to become a talented painter, potter, woodworker, or quilter. Whether a piece is utilitarian or show quality, it still can be art. One is meant to be used and the other merely meant to be seen. Perceived value is also interpreted through the classification of art vs craft and thus opens another level of discussion. I’ll save that for another time. Until then think about it, is what you see around you Art or Craft?