The fine Australian stitcher, Natalie Fisher (read our earlier post about her here), has a wonderful post talking about the difference between art and craft.
There is some heavy going here, but the important point is “its making requires decisions relating to design, colour, composition and materials, I believe this is art. In addition, if the maker of the work is intending to inspire aesthetic response, to evoke discussion or to communicate an idea beyond the work itself, I believe this is art.”
To me that means that if you are taking part in the artistic conversation by picking threads and/or stitches. Or if you are stitching canvas to inspire thoughts, discussion, or ideas — it’s art.
Don’t let the fact that you needed to use a technical skill in order to create that art change this. After all don’t great sculptors have to learn the technical skills of carving. Do we consider it only a craft because of that?
About Janet M Perry
Janet Perry is the Internet's leading authority on needlepoint. She designs, teaches and writes, getting raves from her fans for her innovative techniques, extensive knowledge and generous teaching style. A leading writer of stitch guides, she blogs here and lives on an island in the northeast corner of the SF Bay with her family
Look at the American Craft Council events to see true art!
Remember reading that the first piece of ‘art’ that Grandma Moses was when she was a home and perhaps wanted to do something different. (As if early homemakers always had lots of time to take up new interests…) She took a piece of wood and drew/painted on it with I believe some white household/carpentry product (not regular artist paints). Apparently, she seemed to enjoy the experience. Showing some of her early work to others, she was encouraged to continue with her art interests. Van Gough also took up painting just because he had received some art supplies from his brother. If they can do it, we can, as well. With the knowledge and encouragement we have received from Janet and others and stores willed with needlework supplies, we can do it! Wish I kept some of my first wobbly stamped cross stitch potholders and dish cloths I stitched up. Thank you, Janet, for sharing your knowledge, patience and enthusiasm with so many of us!