What is the difference between art and craft? More than once I've heard the question asked. They are largely intertwined. When I think of art I think fine art - one of a kind, often conceptual, masterpieces. When I think of craft I think more of process than emotion. The dictionary definition is "an occupation requiring special skill." Crafts are often functional and art is not. Craft can be done at a simple level by someone with little creative thought but a good sense of materials and adequate hand-eye coordination. Crafts can also be extremely complex: combining creativity and emotion with materials associated with crafts. The dictionary also lists "art" as a definition of craft.
I consider myself a sculptor but because I use clay, my work is sometimes labeled craft. Craft is important in making my work. Without the ability/skill to use the material, I couldn't make the work. The more acute my skill, the better the art. But my pieces are often not functional and require the creativity of an artist which I think can only come from a certain genetic make-up. I realized being creative was in my DNA after my kids were born.
With a toddler and an infant I no longer had time to sculpt. With time so precious, I found myself scared to begin a sculpture out of fear I wouldn't be able to complete it. (Clay dries if you don't get back to it soon enough.) I needed big chunks of time to sculpt and as a new mommy I no longer had that kind of time. I thought putting off making art for a few years would be okay but soon realized I couldn't stop being creative. I started creating stories. This was something that could be done anywhere and in small increments of time (to be continued later...)
Soon enough I'd created an epic story in my mind and decided I would try to write a book. Writing after all would wait if a child was up for a week with strep throat and an ear infection. A chapter would not dry up if I couldn't get back to it right away. A chapter would wait patiently for the next chapter...or paragraph...or sentence...whatever I could muster in a day. So little by little I typed away in the evenings while the babies slept until I had completed a novel.
The art in creating the story came naturally and was easy. The hard part now is figuring out the craft of writing. How do I choose the right words to make my story compelling to a reader? I am in the process of revising the novel over and over until I find the right words. Never did I dream the process would be so much fun. I am learning a new craft and exult with satisfaction each time I conquer a new challenge.
I will periodically post excerpts from the novel as I revise. Take a look.