Jello Wrestling

Liz Hickok

Lately I have been following a lengthy discussion about art vs. craft on the QA list. We are getting definitions that are all skewed one way, to the 'art' side because naturally everyone sees themselves as an artist. (!) I think lots of this perceived 'exclusivity-' stems from the crappy-crafts we are exposed to on the craft shows on television, a group we certainly don't want to be identified with. There, that's another reason to turn it off and do something else!

'Crafts', as I learned about the subject way-back-when, are the basis for art as we know it now- we must learn the techniques and how different types of craft are interrelated and dependent upon each other. An awareness of the basics of art, line-color-shape-value-texture, are all necessary for any craft also- so, you ask, what's the difference between arts and crafts?

My (make that MY) conclusion I have reached is that they are forever entertwined and seeing one in a more 'elevated' capacity that the other is exclusionary. Art needs good craft, and craft needs an artistic sensibility to be successful. I cannot go to one of the Fine Craft shows anywhere in the country and not admire the ART being displayed- maybe it's a ceramic piece (traditionally a craft) or a piece of hand blown glass or some hand wrought metal tools- also always categorized as craft, without seeing the artistry involved in making them. I look at contemporary basketry and want to fondle it- again it is art. Also very evident is the jewelry and there are few of those folks I would call 'crafters' with such sophisticated and well executed designs. All of these art-makers are full fledged artists.

I guess the hair goes up on the back of my neck when we start doing the head/hands/heart thing- it's so reminiscent of bunnies and chicks and is probably written on some Debby Mumm fabric. My graduate thesis was on the Bauhaus and there was no talk there about body parts, only good design- and how each discipline should enhance the others and, in turn, the building they were intended for. It was all under the decorative arts umbrella back then and it's the same thing we are doing now. (We would be the textile discipline in case you're wondering.)

What I am trying to say is that it just doesn't matter- you do your craft with as much artistry as you can muster, or you do your art with your best craftsmanship- it's ALL art IF it's well executed- 'craft' is just how you get it done. Call your work whatever rocks your boat.

I see NO PROBLEM with moving back and forth between making art and working at a craft- the more different ideas that are tried, the more complete the artist. It took a leap of faith for me to stop producing quilts when I found that they just weren't enough any more. I am fortunate that I don't need the income, in fact only used my money from sales to buy more art, usually from people in shows in which I was also included. I sort of felt like I was 'giving back'. (No, I am not comparing my little art-buying sprees to folks who feed the domestically-challenged or move to Africa to heal some water born worm infestation.) But isn't it great to have two sales out of a show instead of just one? I never bought quilts- frankly they don't interest me much without the story behind, and I have seen the best there is out there.

And don't get me started on the things that are referred to as 'craft' now- crocheted toilet paper holders, kits for one thing or another, rows of ducks stenciled around the ceiling, picket fences and birdhouses, templates so you don't have to learn calligraphy and instead can trace it...and on and on. These are simple busy work and don't belong in this lofty discussion. They provide a satisfaction to their makers and who knows, someday those makers might hanker for a little more 'art' in their lives. One can only hope. Sandy, who MAKES things, lots of things: sometimes art, sometimes not.