What is craft? How is it different from fine art? Does craft matter? These questions are asked frequently by both practicing artists and non-artists. There are definitely many answers and opinions for these questions, but here is what I think! 

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A lot of people think of craft as activities we do with elementary school students, or step by step simple projects. It is that, but it is also much more. Craft is intricate handmade work that can range from functional to objects you could find in museums and galleries. However, craft is intended to have a function whether or not it's used or on display. Craft can be ceramics, papercraft, wood, textiles, glasscrafts, jewelry, etc. 

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Craft mattered a long time ago and, arguably, it matters just as much now if not more with the rapid growth/spread of machines that are able to mass produce functional objects. Of course mass production has been helpful, but we have to remember manual work is just human nature. We do not want to lose touch with true craftsmanship by real human beings. With mass production we also lose that personal touch, that uniqueness that comes with an individual's work that everybody has a love for. We like to see things that are different, rather than all having the same functional items. Creativity is instinctual and something that is necessary for our impressive growth and expansion, so even though we have come this far, we cannot completely get rid of the creativity used to get here.

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Another reason craft matters is because it is tangible in a world of easily disposable things. We can create things that will be there long after we are gone, and can serve as an important part of history. 

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The general difference between craft and fine art is the functionality. Fine art is not intended to be functional, however I believe craft can seep over into fine art if the intention was different. I think we should treat craft as we do fine art, and work to preserve it.