What are our turnings worth to us and to the art//craft.

On Mon, 28 Dec 2009 12:57:49 -0600, Arch wrote (in message ):

I'm a hobby-level turner. Been one for thirty-five years. I've seen some of the crappy work you refer to, and I have seen some wonderful stuff. I don't sell what I make - I give it to friends and relatives. I donated a modest piece for a silent auction fund-raiser, no reserve price, and saw it go for

If I presume to put my stuff where the public can see it and evaluate it, I do the best work I know how to do, with no thought to a reasonable financial return for my time and skill (such as it is). As the general public sees more and more turning, I assume the public will also see more and more high quality turning, and learn to recognize the difference between the two.

As in any other medium, there will be dialogue concerning the separation between art and craft, and recognition of skill and quality over cheap mass produced goods. I personally regard my own work as craft. If those who get my stuff choose to call it art, they are entitled to their own opinions. I have seen some efforts of other people (in various media) called art which should have been more properly called recyleable. That opinion of course is mine.

Well done turning will be known by the company it keeps. Go to a gallery or a commercial venue which sells good goods, and look around. Go to a place that sells mass-produced goods and "genuine Indian pottery" made in China, and look around. The turned articles in each of these different outlets will vary in quality (and price) according to the nature of the rest of the goods in thse places.

It is my belief that the hobbyist who can produce goods with the skill and quality of the full-time professional turner will not have the motivation or ability to produce the same volume of output as the professional. Further, the marketplace where quality goods are sold will weed out substandard goods as a matter of self-preservation of its (the marketplace's) own reputation.

In art, what too often seems to happen is that the artist while living is under remunerated for his or her efforts, and the works produced are not properly appreciated until after the death of the artist.

A thing may be produced and sold for its utility. A thing may be produced for art, and might get sold. Each article has its market. Utility is advertised, art is promoted.

Superiority is not a term with inherent absolute meaning. No comparison can be made between art and craft with a claim of superiority of one over the other.

I turn because it is pleasurable... and some people appreciate and like what I do. Others here earn a living with their turning, possibly not concerned whether their work be art or craft. Some produce art and express themselves or convey some kind of meaning to others - and possibly make some money. Others will decide in the end which is art and which is craft - and what is neither art or craft.

All of what I have just said is of course my opinion, and it may or may not resonate with others. I don't know what is art, but I know what I like.

tom koehler

On Mon, 28 Dec 2009 18:44:06 -0600, tom koehler wrote (in message ):

snip a lot

I was not trying to sound pompous, or bloviating, just trying to express my own opinions on the issue. I hope I did not get anyone ticked off, I was not trying to do that. If I did tighten anyone's jaws, I earnestly apologize.

Mr. Fortiter asked a great question, and I am surprised there have not been more responses to it.

tom koehler