Art and Craft

For some time I've been musing about the connection/difference between art and craft.  As a youngster I was told I had an artistic gift.  I could draw things and they would look like the thing I was drawing. I liked being able to concentrate and let my hands work.  It was -- and is -- a pleasant mind-hand connection.


What I've come to realize is that art is a way of seeing and craft is the effort you make in transcribing what you see into a work that others can see and appreciate.  You can be a great artist yet a so-so craftsman.  And you can be a very good craftsman yet have work that lacks an artistic vision.  


This doesn't mean that a work of art can't have a spontaneous execution that is still workmanlike.  Consider some examples of Chinese calligraphy where the brushwork has been done in quick strokes and looks simple yet elegant.  


Also consider a painting by Frans Hals.  His attention to detail is very workmanlike, yet his brushstrokes are quick and sure.


I must confess that whenever I look works of art I concentrate more on the workmanlike manner in which they have been done and find this to be just as pleasurable as the piece itself.  If you ever get to see a piece by Donald Judd you'll see what I mean.