Hmm, point of information:

I don’t see where she labeled watching TV, pilates, complaining about men, etc., as art in this article. I do see that she said she would prefer to watch TV or take a pilates class than participate in crafting. (p, 72)

All she seems to be saying above is that she would rather participate in these activities than craft.

She writes that she experiences relaxation and emotional release, benefits Monson claims for crafting, from “reading, massage, and exercise.” (p. 70)

That’s entirely different than what you are imply in your post.

Clearly, there is some devaluing going on in her article, however, it also sounds to me that she feels devalued by some because she doesn’t like to craft. Sounds like there is some sensitivity about being devalued on both sides.

For me, the medium isn’t the issue. It’s the intent behind the work and boundaries it pushes that elevate it into that special realm where the viewer is moved in some way.
The fiber arts are a perfectly respectable artistic medium. Ms. Mitchard’s boyfriend sweater was clearly not a work of art. But some of the political and performance pieces spooling out from the fingers of today’s fiber artists, yeah, big time art.

Thanks for bringing this up!

After reading articles in Interweave Knits about knit (and woven!) artifacts that really are preserved in museums and studied with the same kind of attention as Ming Dynasty Vases, I was particularly frustrated by that comparison. . .

And why is “art” considered “better”, or a higher form, than “craft”, anyway?

I think “artistry” and “craftsmanship” are terms that can be used interchangeably.

If you watch Antiques Roadshow, you see things labeled as “folk art” (another name for craft) going for high dollar, as high as (or higher than) many paintings (art) they show.

Value is in the eye of the beholder. And I don’t particularly value that writer’s opinion, if she sees no value in crafts.

-Mary
(sent here by Cass’ blog contest)

Just one question, what type of Minwax stain should I be using on my bread?

In the end, the whole thing added up to the fact that as much as she wants to believe otherwise, Mitchard still feels the need to be defensive about her lack of interest, which makes her words ring hollow. May I one day have an agent and book deal as good as hers…and may I never think that such a thing entitles me to demean other women.