The Hobby of Art or the Art of a Hobby?

[puppetmaker]

For the longest time I didn't consider myself an artist. I was a crafty person that could make costumes and puppets. I was good a recreation from pictures and I paid attention to detail. I figured that since I couldn't draw that I was not a real artist (I still can't draw worth spit which is one of my few regrets in life) Then a friend of mine, who does draw very well, encourage me to put my puppets in Art Shows. I started doing that and of course got that magic ribbon that said "Artist". That ribbon in a funny way changed how people perceived me. To them they added Artist to the things I did at conventions. And that changed my way of thinking about myself to where I realized that I was creating art with the objects I made.

Recently in a costuming group the question came up Costuming: Hobby or Art discuss. And the discussion has been civil and interesting. Many called it a hobby since they are going for the strict definition that most art shows have (% of income from your art). But a number of those who did call it a hobby, I would call artists without a qualm. The costumes that they make are works of art. Some I think should hang in museums for the general population to admire. I guess it is a matter of perspective.

Personally, I will continue to think of myself as an artist and take pride in my ability to make art in one form or another. Yeah, the costumes don't make me much money but still there are a lot of things I had to do to make them. Also I consider that fact that there are displays of costumes in museums all over the world. There are traveling exhibits of costumes. It is an art form.

Speaking of which, I got a bunch done on the big secret project yesterday and today I really hope to get more done (as in my one major PITA finished and ready for wear) today. I have a good shot at it. Then I am down to one other piece and all the hand sewing I need to do. I will probably start that while watching Doctor Who this evening.

I am grateful for those who changed my thinking about myself.

Comments

[scarlettina.livejournal.com]

Took me a while to consider myself an artist, so I really empathize with your feelings here. I still do the occasional Denial Dance about it, but the truth is that between writing, beading, photography and the occasional sculpture or drawing, I kinda can't get away from it. Money, ribbons, and everything are great, but it's the act of creation that makes one an artist, not the acknowledgment from others. You've been an artist your whole life. You just have to give it to yourself.

[papillon-enrage.livejournal.com]

I don't know: hobby or art? Are those choices in any way exclusive? Many people can't (or can't yet) support themselves with their art, but that doesn't lessen the art in any way.

Now, I've heard serious arguments about the difference between *crafts* and *art*. Personally, I embrace the Bauhaus philosophy: the line drawn between the two is meaningless. Art is craft and craft is art.

It is the act of sharing what you make through exhibits, shows, or sale that separates the "men from the boys" as it were. That's a level of risk many fabulous artists will never take. A need to share your artwork with others and interact with them through this shared experience.

And I'll even go one further: I feel that the "consumable" art forms (food, clothing, graffiti) are, in many ways, art's purest expression.