A quilter is an artist, too!! As is a musician. And someone who uses a pattern is no less talented because they use a pattern. You wouldn't think a symphony musician is less talented, just because they are playing Mozart instead of composing their own! I think sometimes folks who make "utility" quilts don't give themselves enough accolades for their work!

I used to think that artist were those who drew or painted. People kept telling me I was an artist when all I did was other mediums.
NOW ----- yes! I am an artist! In many mediums, thoughts and dreams!

"I Guess we are all accomplished Artist" Our quilts are one of a kind. They go for money, they are admired, by all, they are collected, treasured, and even passed down, what doesn't say ART!

I think anyone that goes to a Quilt Show, can see it is an art!

I so totally agree!! The medium makes no difference - expressing your creativity in a way that pleases others is THE definition of art. Look at the Cake Boss - watch that show on TLC if you've never seen it - it is amazing what he does with FOOD! If that's not art, then nothing is.

Raise your coffee mug to thinking outside the box / block!

According to www.dictionary.com an artist is someone whose work exhibits exceptional skill.
This same site defines craftsman as a person who practices or is highly skilled in a craft; artisan.
And their definition of art is "the quality, production, expression, or realm, according to aesthetic principles of what is beautiful, appealing or of more than ordinary significance."

In my opinion, someone just learning how to quilt, would not be considered an artist, as they are just learning. They are a novice. They need to hone their skills to become an artist. Just sewing pieces of fabric together, does not mean someone is an artist. Just like someone that does "paint by number" is not considered a painter. There needs to be some skill involved to become an artist no matter what medium you choose to use.

Ages ago, people had to apprentice with a master craftsman in order to gain the skill necessary to be called an artisan. And I believe that same holds true today, while we may not have traditional apprenticeships, we take classes and use other forms of teaching ourselves how to quilt, and how to be better at it. This isn't to say that those just learning aren't or can not become artisans, but there needs to be some skill involved. Just the act of sewing fabric together does not constitute art, unless there is some skill exhibited in the final product.

Two strokes of fabric an artist can be.

Are you in Eastern or Western PA? I'm in Eastern, just
wondering if you went to the Oaks Quilt Show.

We are all artists as quilters. Some better than others, all with different ideas. It's just a different medium. I can't do an oil painting very well, or at least not well enough to hang on my wall or give as a gift, but I can quilt well enough to hang all over my house and give lots of gifts. Just ask any non-quilted, they will say quilting is an art form.

Enjoy the art v. craft arguments? Go to uni where the argument dominates conversations and you get to write papers about it. That will suck the fun right out of the discussion. :0D

This is what I was taught at college: anyone learning a craft is akin to a kindergartener on fingerpaint Friday. He's a five year old and mommy calls him an "artist." Without the proper education, or old fashioned apprenticeship, you are neither an artisan nor an artist. You might someday be a "folk artist" or "naive painter" if the proper folks so designate. It's like trying to get into a New York co-op. Otherwise, everyone is a hobbyist or crafter.

I'd like my tuition refunded.