Those are quite good definitions.  But to add to the discussion, I've
always thought that (in contemporary times) "artisan" referred to  someone
who makes crafts (work with a function; i.e. a ceramic teapot or a piece of
furniture--unique and without standardized production),  as differentiated
from an "artist" (who makes non-functional, but unique work).  These terms
are blurring, however.....

Reine Hauser


The ongoing debate.....this is almost as good as the "what is art?"
question.  Having just worked on the American Century show at the Whitney
Museum, these questions came up a lot, since the show encompasses painting,
sculpture, design, architecture, film, and dance.  I think "maker" and
"manufacturer" are one in the same--say, for a vacuum cleaner or a lamp, or
possibly a camera, a table that was not one of a kind.  Although the design
may be unique, the production of it is standardized.  To me, "artist"
denotes the non-standardized production of a single, unique object through
creative inspiration (i.e., a painting, sculpture, building, vase, pottery,
etc.); something that cannot be mass produced exactly again and again (only
exception is photography).  It is as if each productive experience by the
"artist" is a unique experience.  "Artisan" would be the same, too, but is
a little dated (I think of the Renaissance, for example).
>
>Meg Bruener
>[log in to unmask]
>
>
>>>> <[log in to unmask]> 06/30/99 01:47PM >>>
>What is the opinion of the group regarding the difference of the following
>terms:
>
>1.  artist
>2.  artisan
>3.  maker
>4. manufacturer
>
>Patti Davis-Perkins
>Artifact Documentation
>Canadian Museum of Civilization
>Hull, Quebec, Canada
>
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