One of the best comparisons of art vs. craft I have seen over the years is this.
Art:
Creative, unique original
Comes from within
Open-ended, end results unknown
Process is valued over finished product
Self-expression
Craft:
Similar, or identical, to the work of others
Directed from others
Closed, directions-oriented, end results known
Finished product is valued over process
Copying and imitating
I believe that when your creative decisions are based on the principles and elements of design, whether conscious or intuitive, the result is art…good or bad. The artist follows rough trails along the way often branching off in new directions, and there is joy in the exploration.
When your decisions are chop, cut and rebuild according to provided directions, the result is craft…good or bad. The crafter sticks to marked highways with Trip-Tiks from the auto club, and the joy is in reaching the destination.
Artists, craftsmen, crafters, there is room for all and a need for all. Follow the path that suits you best, just as you do with the other aspects of your life. :D