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Sasha had always been fascinated by the world of art. Growing up, he could spend hours looking at drawings and paintings. As he got older, he started to enjoy doing woodworking.
He would get compliments from many people about his woodworking and thought: "Am I creating art?"
One day, at an arts and crafts fair, he met a pottery artist who created unique pottery, and he began to understand the difference between art and craft.
Why is it important for Sasha to understand this difference?
Knowing if he is a crafter or an artist can help Sash improve his skills, reach his audience, and collaborate with like-minded individuals.
Art and Craft Definitions
Craft is...
...another form of self-expression but often involves using specific materials and craftsmanship. Common materials used are glass, metal, wood, or ceramics.
Unlike art, crafting is typically done as a hobby or trade, and has a functional purpose along with being nice to look at. For example, handmade pottery or furniture can show the creator's creativity and skill while still having practical use.
Difference Between Art and Craft
While art and craft both involve creative expression, their purpose and intentions are unique.
Art
Paintings — use painting techniques such as oil paint, watercolor
Sculptures — 3D objects made of clay, wood, or metal
Drawings — images using pencils, pens, charcoal, or ink
Graffiti — images created on public spaces or walls using spray paint, markers, or other materials
Graphic design — visual communication that uses color, composition, typography, and other visual elements to create unique designs
Music — sounds and rhythms to express emotion or ideas
Craft
Pottery — shaping and firing clay into bowls, vases, or plates.
Knitting — using yarn and knitting needles to create fabric or garments
Glassblowing — shaping molten glass into bowls, vases, or sculpture
Calligraphy — decorative art that uses writing or drawing letters in a visually appealing way
Quilting — uses several layers of fabric to create a thick material held together by hand stitching or a sewing machine
Woodworking — shaping and carving wood into furniture or sculptures
Purpose of Art and Craft
Craft
Functional objects are created that typically have practical purposes
Usually done for a specific purpose
Objects can be used in everyday life
Done as a hobby or trade
Expresses creativity
Having Success in Art and Craft
If you're passionate about creating beautiful things, you might wonder if you're creating art or craft. What qualities or skills do artists and crafters need to have?
Art
Have unique ideas and use your imagination
Art created is original and thought-provoking
Use tools such as paintbrushes or sculpting tools
Can take years of practice to develop the skills necessary to create high-level art
Craft
Design items that are not only beautiful but also serve a purpose
Master tools such as sewing needles, hammers, or pottery wheels
Requires technical skills and attention to detail
Can take years of practice to develop the skills necessary for advanced crafting
Quiz
Sarah has a passion for creating unique handmade items, mainly handmade jewelry. Is she an artist or crafter?
A crafter is someone who creates functional or decorative items using various materials and techniques. Sarah's passion for creating unique handmade jewelry would classify her as a crafter based on this definition.
Take Action
After meeting the pottery artist, the potter and Sasha realized that while pottery and woodworking may not be considered art in the traditional sense, both still require creativity and skill to create beautiful and functional objects.
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This Byte has been authored by
Zulma Calderon
Instructional Designer