I’m a fine crafter, not a fine artist.
There. I’ve said it.
I visit this site often, and I’m an avid reader of the comments here. I love to read the blogs about shows you’ve done, or your philosophies and perspectives on the art world. I’m fascinated by the thread about show integrity. I don’t tend to comment much because, well,
I’m a fine crafter, not a fine artist.
As a result, I’ve not always felt that my input belongs here. You see, I don’t have an artist’s background. I taught myself how to sew. I started sewing clothing for my daughter because I couldn’t find quality pieces in stores without paying an arm and a leg. Then the patterns weren’t really what I wanted her to wear, so I started creating my own designs. I’d take the leftover fabric and make an outfit for her doll, just for fun. And then, her friends wanted to match their dolls too, word got out, and here I am. And I know what I am.
I didn’t study art in college; I haven’t taken courses in design. I have an MA, not an MFA. So when I read the posts written by fine artists, I stay on the sidelines, watching and learning, but not commenting because, well, you know...
But now I’m diving into a new adventure, one where I get to swim with the big kids. I’ll be participating in the Great Lakes Art Fair in Novi, Michigan, next week. I’ve attended the show several times, but never applied before, because I felt I didn’t fit in – you know, that “art” thing. But a few fine art friends of mine – who’ve done the show - encouraged me to apply, and so I did, and, well, I was accepted.
So here I am, getting ready to step into a new realm of shows. I’m eagerly anticipating it, because I like to push my limits – how else will I grow? I’m looking forward to the challenge this offers me, since I’m definitely going to be the little kid in that big kids’ pool.
I’ve got to be honest, however. After reading comments here about the declining quality of shows or that of the accepted artists, I do have a bit of trepidation as well. Perhaps I’m one of the riff-raff who are besmirching the art world with my pedestrian wares, and, accepted or not, the big kids won’t be happy to see me swimming amongst them.
I hope that’s not the case. I’d like to think that, even though I’m not formally trained and my work is far from museum quality, there still is a place for someone like me at a show like this. I may not be a fine artist, but my work is original, well done, and created entirely by me and me alone. I’ve never claimed to be more than I am, but I do take pride in what I am.
I’m a fine crafter, not a fine artist.
I hope there’s room for me in the pool.
Comments
I don't think of myself as an artist either, and many of us here don't ... but we get in and have our say anyway and those I think of as traditional artists accept us :)
I saw this quote yesterday and maybe it will loosen how we feel inferior to accepted/traditional artists:
I do 20-25 shows each year, and I'm outside from mid-May to mid-September. Most are listed on my website, although I've got some to add yet. Take a look and let me know if we'll be in the same place this summer - it's always nice to meet.
Hey Janet, There are only a few of us left these days that do the bears. I have done shows all around here for several years so it's entirely possible that we've crossed paths if you've been in the business for a long time. I seldom get to go out and "shop" as I'm usually on my own. I do recall passing someone that had the matching children's clothing and American Girl clothing if that was you although I don't remember which show it was. Do you do outdoor as well as indoor shows?
Beautiful way to put it Anne Marie! And it sums up everything very nicely! I really like the word "artisan" much better than "artist" as it really covers all forms of art, doesn't it? (Back to the beastly bears for me, Janet! Well, actually rabbits today...)
We are all fine artisans, 2D,3D,as long as we dream of, create well and have the "nerve" to get out there and sell. All of us are very special people, just stay true to yourself, don't worry about those who feel the need to judge.
Mary,
Your bears are quite nice. I think we may have done some shows together in the past; your photos and description of your work are familiar to me, though I do know another "bear lady" in the area. If I get a chance, I'll try to look at the show with your product line in mind and let you know what I think. Good luck in Toledo and Schaumburg - those bear shows can be beastly! (Get it? BEASTLY - BEAR? I crack myself up...)
Janet,
I can totally relate to what you are saying only more so as I am considered an "artist" by some while those that don't get what I do refer to me as a crafter. I have won awards at art shows for years but I can still sell at craft shows. And I do usually sell although not always.
I've been in business for almost 20 years and am still hanging in there even with a downed economy because I'm always adding new things to what I make. I have also added a new line to my business that does fall within the craft area--it's called survival. What do I do primarily? I take those old fur coats that no one wants and turn them into things--I started with bears but have added everything from skunks to cats to dogs to elephants, etc., etc.
So why am I (finally) joining into this discussion when all I've done in the past is read? Because you hit it right on the head for me. I started sewing when I was four--my family were tailors for generations so I got the sewing bug legitimately. But I have seen people do things similar to what I do being slammed for their work on this website as not being art (puppeteer) so I haven't posted.
My new craft line is making dog coats (mink especially) and decorated hemp webbing dog collars. If I can't sell anything else, I can pretty much always sell my collars. Since it's very hard for me to make something that is less expensive with what I usually do, the dog collars can save my butt at times as people love them as much as they love their dogs. I also do some lady's accessories. And quite frankly, I don't see a whole lot of difference between my doing what I'm doing (I have very high standards in all that I produce) from an artist who has cards printed or bookmarks or prints or whatever except I produce every single item I sell by my own hands.
Anyway, call me whatever you will but as long as I can continue to make a living with what I do, I am a happy camper! And now I have to go do some work as I've got a doll show in Toledo this weekend and a teddy bear show (yes, there are actually shows devoted to teddy bears) in Schaumburg the next weekend and I am WAY low on what I need for the shows as someone came and bought half of what I had. (good news--bad news!)
Can't wait to hear how it goes for you at Novi as I have considered doing the show myself as I live in the Detroit area. But, like you, I wonder if they will "get" me and jury me in. I'm delighted to hear that you were accepted so it gives me hope. And if I wasn't so busy this weekend, I would come and see you. I will be with you in spirit though!
Gloria - - - Well said! I love it!
I'm constantly jumping back and forth between fine art and fine crafts. In my book, fine crafts is another form of art....art is art....I'm am primarily self taught as well and I work in all sorts of different mediums but I am an artist. My son has a MA from a prestigious art school and he is an artist. Is he a better artist? No he isn't. Just different. If I listened to the "fine art critics" I would be afraid to show my work but frankly, I don't even understand where the heck they're coming from. Who are these people anyway? You are an artist and you create art so hold you're head up high and be proud of what you do.
Yesterday Bubba Watson won the Masters golf tournament, and the commentators mentioned several times that Bubba has never taken a single golf lesson. This, they said, means "he's a natural."
It's okay -- and perfectly valid -- to be a natural artist, or craftsperson or musician or writer or chef. Many might say that such natural talent is more important than what someone learns on their way to earning a piece of paper. And the natural may have an easier time than the MFA accessing the emotions that permeate a good piece of art.
There will always be those in the big kids' pool who find a reason to diss other exhibitors for one reason or another. They need to get over it. Enjoy your show and enjoy making your customers happy.
-
1
-
2
-
3
of 3 Next