The Craftsman versus the Industrial Complex

[RockyR]

I can understand the 'art' comparison. I understand the pursuit of 'perfection'... of the masterpiece. However, most (many? all?) artists are not paid what they're 'worth' in the real world.

It's fine to have discussions about art and what is or is not true craftsmanship... what is or isn't done with which technique. I think it's very telling that the devil is the one in the story to constantly needle us (and drive us insane) with the question "is it art" b/c we will never all agree. He may also drive the master craftsman nuts with that question if there is no 'bar' set. We can all talk in circles until we're all blue in the face disagreeing.

If all artists were paid what they were worth, we'd all be broke and not many people would own items of clothing, shoes, etc. Also, where would that leave the rest of us 'non artists / masters of our craft' in regard to employment? There will always be varying degrees of quality, even within the same field using the same technique.

Instead, down here in the real world (no offense was meant by that... just there's a difference between idealistic discussions and reality), we must shop within our means and live within our means. It may mean hanging paintings by local 'craft' painters instead of a Van Gogh. It may mean wearing a $200 kilt, instead of a hand stitched custom woven heir loom kilt costing $1500. It may mean wearing $150 shoes instead of having custom made ones.

The masses can not afford 'elite pieces of art' (whether it be clothing, shoes, paintings, etc). We live within our means or we live without. To only purchase 'pieces of art' on an average person's salary would be irresponsible.