Art v Craft: what’s the difference?
Episode 53: Time to cast the cat in among the pigeons!
Laura and Peter are joined in this debate by Silversmith James Dougal and 'the Talented Mr B. (Ben Boswell) to talk about craft and art as descriptions of their work and of the way they identify themselves.
Asking 100 people what the difference is between art and craft, or what the respective values of art and craft are and you will get 100 different answers. After recording this and listening to our four interpretations I think we all agree that a fundamental level you need both to create beautiful things and maybe the line is so blurry that we are all better off calling ourselves 'artist/craftspeople' - a more 'maker-fluid' description!
In a four way conversation between Laura, Peter, the Talented Mr B and silversmith James Dougall, the question of art versus craft is examined, pulled apart and argued. Instead of show notes for this episode, we are simply leaving you with questions in the hope you too will respond as passionately as these four working artists.
The Useful Stuff
1. Should art and craft be seen as separate things? If so, where are the boundaries?
2. Can an artist be successful if they have no craft skills in making artwork?
3. Why is ‘art’ seen as superior to ‘craft’ and what do we understand by those two terms?
4. Craft makers who cross the boundary into art through traditionally ‘craft’ objects such as baskets or textiles often have a struggle to be recognised as artists. Why is this and where does that boundary lie?
5. Should artists be valued as much for their craft skills with their materials as for their ideas and unique voice?
6. Is the trend in modern art education towards focussing on ideas and concepts at the cost of craft skills a problem for emerging artists, especially in fields like ceramics, or is a craft based education no longer so relevant?
7. Is the word ‘craft’ now so debased that another description is needed?
8. If an artist works with craft makers to produce an artwork, does the project’s value always lie with the artist? If so, should more credit be given to the makers of the work? Is this kind of project a collaboration or simply employment for the craftsmen and women involved?
The Takeaway
This is a debate that can run and run, but one that is relevant to all artists and makers. A final question: where do business skills fall in all this?
This Podcast is sponsored by Michael Harding Colours. For more information about Michael’s colour range or to find a retailer near you, please visit www.michaelharding.co.uk
