Down with the kids

Big Sis has a propensity to stumble across the big questions. Her latest is the distinction between art and craft. An issue that has confounded the general public and the art world for years has now come under her radar!

It started last weekend when we went to the local primary school Art Show. A fantastic event where they exhibit work from local artists, the school kids, together with cake stalls, performances by the kids and lots of art related activities.

I took the kids into a room labeled “Art Activities” and Big Sis asked what the sign said. She then assessed the activities on offer, clay, pasting, making crazy heads on sticks and quizzed me - “So, is this art or craft mummy?” I conceded that it was what we called craft at home, but that the distinction between art and craft was not all that clear, perhaps a factor of the intention in the heart of the craftsman/artist?

She listened carefully and obviously made up her mind that “art” was the more significant label! She hopped into the activities - with a running commentary to all and sundry:

“Oh, my art is coming along really well!”

“Excuse me I’ve finished with the clay, could you put my art somewhere to dry?”

“I have a little brother, he sometimes messes with my art!”

Our mini Rodin is no longer content with the world of preschool craft and if you slip she promptly corrects you - “It’s art mummy!” I saw her giving Little Bro a dressing down this morning when she was doing some crayon work:

“Oh Little Bro, your much too little to understand my art!”, followed by

“Mummy, I need time by myself for my art!”