visual dialogue vs. haptic dialogue

I had a fun eureka moment this morning while crossing the bridge over the Iowa River:

Fine Art = the visual dialogue between an artist and the viewer(s)

Craft = the haptic dialogue between an artist and his/her materials


I know, I know, why do we need to dredge up the old argument of Art vs. Craft? Well I've been feeling lately a slow drift away from art and towards craft in myself, so I'm working on defining my own movement from one to the other, or to some place in between. Also notice that in both cases the 'maker' is called an artist, which points to the fact that we are essentially talking about two sides of the same coin.

the big December 8th

Pull out your calendar, here are a few not-to-miss events happening next Friday, December 8th:
starting @ 4pm: UIowa Center for the Book Open House (North Hall)
starting @ 5pm: UIowa Printmaking Dept. Open House (Original Art Building)
starting @ 6pm: UIowa Painting Dept. Open House (Grad studios on the hill)

Also, the recent "Common Ground" exhibit will be featured on the Daily Palette on the same day - visit it anytime!


I just wanted to mention that I now know the difference between a mimeo and a ditto, the machines and the prints. Just one of the little things I take pride in.