The Tribune

By Deidre Bastian

What is the difference between art and craft? This question is not new, as the boundaries between craft and art have long been contested. I believe that to define anything as either art or craft may seem iniquitous when, in fact, both are on a spectrum that can be described as ‘skill’ or ‘Talent’.

Some art demonstrates no or little skill, but expresses something really profound, whereas other work shows both, using materials and expressions.

Arts and crafts are often associated with hobbies and activities that create things, via skilled hands and mind. And I believe that the business of arts and crafts is for creative people who wish to transform their passion for designing and making stuff.

But why is this distinction so important? I suspect it stems from an elitist attitude towards art, which is sneered at as somehow being mediocre. It is interesting how some people only regard an artist as someone who wields a brush, but I am pleased to see that many artists and craft makers ignore this argument, and continue to produce exceptional work regardless of views and opinions.

Some craft professions include coconut sculpting, bone carving, shell art, Cabinet making, embroidery, metalwork, ceramics, pressed flower craft, puppetry and shoemaking. Moreover, craftsmanship can be considered a fun way to relieve stress and rediscover a creative spark.

Technically, craft implies the application of human intelligence and human hand through using simple/complex tools, but having an artistic touch to the product.

One object can be viewed two ways. Think about this. If you look at the way a craft was made and the materials used, you are looking at its craft. If you think about its ideas, you are viewing it as art. Sounds confusing? Well, an object could be crafted, but contain no art, while a painting can be crafted but artless.

It is impossible to serve two masters, so art and craft can be related, but they are definitely not synonymous. If I am going to make a teapot, I want to make the most useable, ergonomic teapot possible, and the focus on utility will make it inherently beautiful. I can call it functional art, but when people see it, they will call it a teapot - not a sculpture with a spout and handle.

Craft work is predominantly skilled work, and simply means power or ability. Yes, it involves technique, but not necessarily mechanical technology, as we would not attribute a high level of craftsmanship to a machine which produces thousands of coffee mugs in an hour, would we?

But let’s look at the question again: Since I was given permission to use his name: I put this to Troy Nixon, a contemporary ‘coconut designer’ extraordinaire, and he felt ‘craft’ is the overall term for artwork or products that are skilfully created by hand, and practiced using raw and indigenous materials. He explained that it requires skill, patience, knowledge and passion with a purpose beyond simple decoration, but implies more of a perfection and creative technique even if the intention was an artistic one.

While Mr. Nixon is ‘spot-on’ with his explanation, it is evident that ‘intention’ does have a distinction, as the ‘artistic’ element comes from the passion and expression that goes into the craft. It is wise to choose your craft carefully, as most artists are talented in many areas, but by focusing on a targeted craft or art, you will have an easier time creating and marketing your wares.

Ultimately, the comparison between art and craft is like comparing philosophy to engineering, as there are two separate ways of looking at the same thing. Confidently, Mr Nixon reiterated that “art is the communication of an idea or an emotion, while craft is the physical manipulation of a material”. Until we meet again, fill your life with good memories rather than regrets. Enjoy life and stay on top of your game!

NB: Columnist welcomes feedback at deedee21bastian@gmail.com

ABOUT COLUMNIST: Ms Bastian is a professionally trained graphic designer who has qualifications of M.Sc., B.Sc., A.Sc. She has trained at institutions such as: Miami Lakes Technical Centre, Success Training College, College of the Bahamas, Nova Southeastern University, Learning Tree International, Langevine International and Synergy Bahamas.