Thinking About Creativity: The "Art" vs. "Craft" Discussion

Last week, one of our artists was dropping off some new work at the gallery.

"Really," he declared, "you guys are as much about selling crafts as you're an art gallery."

It's not the first we've heard something like that; in fact, I heard it quite often during the 15 years I had a gallery in another city.

What Makes Something "Art" as opposed to "Craft?"

In my experience, the whole "art vs craft" debate is one of those nebulous areas in which it seems everyone has an opinion, but very few actually know what they are talking about.

Our artist friend seemed to be basing his assertion on three primary facts:

1. We have items in the gallery that are below a certain price
2. We have items in the gallery that have a "function" (i.e. "applied" art)
3. We have items in the gallery that might be considered a "gift" item

Of course, that's just one definition-- and what I'd call a rather "upscale" one. We do, indeed, have work from woodworkers and ceramic artists that are more "functional" in nature... but they are none-the-less aesthetically beautiful and exceptionally well executed.

Hobby vs. Profession

In most cases-- but not always-- people look at whether someone is an artist "as a profession" (or calling) or they are just dabbling, as a hobby.

Clearly, Aunt Edna gluing rhinestones to T-shirts isn't what most people would think of as "art." But how about Grandpa starting to paint, after he retires from his corporate job? Is that "art?" 

Some would argue that in order for something to be "art," it suggests that you've had a formal fine arts education, or-- at the very least-- an apprenticeship under some "Master" in a field.

But that doesn't really hold water, either, as there are lots of people who have created exceptional art, yet have no formal training, at all... in fact, they were self-taught.

"Statement" vs. "Skill"

Another argument goes that art is about "making a statement," somehow... and merely being very skilled with your medium makes you nothing more than "a crafts person." 

This seems to be particularly a "big city" approach, where the last 40-50 years has often been heavily focused on which artist can "create the greatest stir" in the community.

In a sense, it's an approach that pulls at the opposite end of creativity, ignoring skill and training and focusing purely on "impact." Ironically, "classical" art training typically involved a period of apprenticeship focusing on mastering one's medium.

A Debate Without End?

I don't claim to have the answers here, but this is a very old debate. I am not even entirely sure what it's ultimately about... except maybe some artists who got together and decided that they were upset that "some kid with a paintbrush" dared to call himself an artist, when they'd had years and years of training and experience.

Maybe it's not even an "important" debate, except to a very small handful of purists.

DISCUSSION: What do YOU think? If you're an artist, is this a debate you have run into, and been part of? Do you think there's a line between art and craft? Or is all "creativity" art, in its own way? Leave a comment!

The Red Dragonfly is an independent alternative art gallery located in Port Townsend, WA; showcasing edgy and unique contemporary art & handmade crafts by local and worldwide artists. All images are our own, unless otherwise credited. Where applicable, artist images used with permission.