Question Of The Week....( 2026 Week 43 )

ripjack13

ripjack13

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What does "craftsmanship" mean to you in woodworking? Is it about precision, creativity, or something else?
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ripjack13 said:
Is it about precision, creativity, or something else?
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I would say it (often) includes precision and creativity, but it isn't "about" those things (or any one thing).

Craftsmanship reveals a relationship between woodworker and wood, as well as a vision for an end product. It is apparent when all those things come together - and can apply equally to a highly complex, creative and precise end product as it does to a quite simple end product. Craftsmanship is one of those words where it is easier to describe what it is not, than what it is. The end product of craftsmanship gives a person seeing it not just appreciation of the product, but appreciation of the process and inputs.
 
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SENC said:
I would say it (often) includes precision and creativity, but it isn't "about" those things (or any one thing).

Craftsmanship reveals a relationship between woodworker and wood, as well as a vision for an end product. It is apparent when all those things come together - and can apply equally to a highly complex, creative and precise end product as it does to a quite simple end product. Craftsmanship is one of those words where it is easier to describe what it is not, than what it is. The end product of craftsmanship gives a person seeing it not just appreciation of the product, but appreciation of the process and inputs.
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Agree with your take. I'd add one more thing, Care. Craftsmanship adds a level of care by the creator for those that use the items presently and into the future.
 
Mr. Peet said:
Agree with your take. I'd add one more thing, Care. Craftsmanship adds a level of care by the creator for those that use the items presently and into the future.
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"Use" is a good word... I do think craftsmanship primarily applies to products that have utility. The result is that the product works as intended - and often better than a similar product that is mass made. I think of gunstocks/pistol grips - those made by craftsman not only look better but fit better and, as a result, function better (for the intended user). It is more than just aesthetics.
 
Agree with above. Craftsmanship is the perfect marriage of function and astetics. A Beautiful ABW baseball bat may be beautiful and perfect to eye but useless if too heavy to swing.
 
I think the creativity side of it is in things like wood turning or carving.
I think craftsmanship is more like furniture building or things of a utilitarian nature like boxes and a well made cutting board, etc.
Precision work? Maybe scroll sawing? I dunno, maybe jigs and fixtures would also require a high degree of precision and accuracy.
 
All of the above defines it very well, but I'd add one more, appropriateness of design for its intended surroundings.

Just because a piece looks good by itself, doesn't mean it fits well with where you put it. I've seen too many pictures of very nice pieces of furniture that are very nice, but just don't fit where they are used. Wrong size, wrong color, wrong style, etc. if you are building a piece for a certain place in a home, it needs to fit harmoniously with the area it is to be utilized.

Obviously, I'm speaking towards newly made pieces, inherited items and antiques are in a slightly different category.
 
I've always separated the creative/artistic side from the technical ability side of most things. So for me, craftsmanship would be the precision with which one executes the intended skill. For example, miters , a tight, clean, almost invisible miter would indicate a good craftsman made it. Or how well the finish was done - whether it's basic soft maple or a high grade ebony, one can still do a crummy job of finishing. That miter might be in a simple plywood storage box or a fancy multi-layer frame. And vice versa, the creative/artistic side would be how well the multi-frame layers fit together and complimented the artwork, etc.
 
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DLJeffs said:
I've always separated the creative/artistic side from the technical ability side of most things. So for me, craftsmanship would be the precision with which one executes the intended skill. For example, miters , a tight, clean, almost invisible miter would indicate a good craftsman made it. Or how well the finish was done - whether it's basic soft maple or a high grade ebony, one can still do a crummy job of finishing. That miter might be in a simple plywood storage box or a fancy multi-layer frame. And vice versa, the creative/artistic side would be how well the multi-frame layers fit together and complimented the artwork, etc.
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Every so often on various woodturning forums, the discussion pops up, " are you an artist or a craftsman?"

The answers vary as much as the type of projects individuals' produce. Many say they would prefer to be known as a craftsman who makes objects that could be considered artistic, other proclaim they are artists, I typically agree with both camps.

I think if you looked at the background of those who answer (where did they grow up, what their parents did for a living, profession), and maybe even their political/societal beliefs you could probably predict with a 95% accuracy how each individual would answer.

Personally, I grew up on a farm, professionally associated with agriculture my whole career and feel it's an honor when called a true craftsman. I'm not offended when someone calls me an artist or compliments a piece I've made as "art", but would never consider myself an artist.

I don't know how to define the word/term "art-artist", but I ain't it :sarcastic:
 
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