Art vs. Craft

The difference between art and craft?
A very old question, with many different answers and opinions.

Some say the difference may lie in the intent of the artist or artisan.  Are they exploring an idea, or trying to convey meaning, or expressing feeling with their work?  

Does that make it art?
But craft can certainly express emotion, can come from the artisan’s exploration of an idea.

In 1938 the British philosopher R. G. Collingwood wrote that craft is preconceived, and pre-planned, at least to some degree.  Again touching on this idea of intent.  Yes, a carpenter makes a plan before beginning to build a chair, but don't some fine artists also make sketches and block out their canvas before starting to paint?

So is it material that defines craft?
Is it the use of ceramic or fiber or glass that distinguishes it from art?
Not according to the many artists who use those materials to express themselves.

Some say it is the repetition of creating handicrafts that make it craft, not art.  This is a very interesting aspect of the question.  If the original piece was created by an artisan who felt they were creating art, who then went on to create several pieces just like it, does the repetition diminish the artistic intention?  When an object is made by hand each one will be slightly different, so does the uniqueness support the notion that each piece is artwork?

And what about function.  We tend to think of craft as functional, something you use or wear.  But can art be functional? Yes.  And can craft be decorative, but not useful? Certainly.

Many think that a work can be either craft or art, but can also be both.
That may be the most important idea: that the lines between art and craft are blurred and indistinct.
It’s why we support handcrafting – for us, our handcrafted boxes mean wonderful elements of both.