So. . .
you guys don’t think I’m an artist?
Man, talk about tearing up!
The keyboard is getting wet here. . .I need a moment . . .
Don
i think it is more of a craft. but that depends what your definition of “is” is.
Ok, I knew that philosophy class would come in handy one day…
Websters defines art as the 1. Human ability to make things; creativity of man as distinguished from the world of nature. 2. skill, craftsmanship. 3. any specific skill or application. 4. creative work or it’s principles, a making or doing of things that display beauty, form, or unusual perception. 6. Any branch of creative work, or the products of creative work.
The term ‘art’, in it’s broadest sense, denotes the ability to make something or to execute a plan (or a kit). Skill implies expertness or great proficiency in doing something. Craft implies ingenuity in execution, although craft is sometimes distinguished from art in it’s application to a lesser skill involving little or no creative thought.
So there…I’ve said absolutely nothing…lol.
I think that there’s both aspects…we build the kit…that’s a craft. We paint and weather that kit to make it unique, that’s art.
Jeff
To a certain degree modeling is an artform. It definately isn’t original like a Picasso. I mean look at the 1000’s of Tigers built. They are all the same vehicle, just interpreted differently by each modeler. However, they are unoriginal compared to a Venus or Mona Lisa which are one-of-a-kinds. I guess we all inpterpret our hobby differently.
I think its a 3 dimensial artform employing multi-media mediums to express creativity in an historical or perspective.
MHO…it is an art. When in real doubt…look at Eddie Miller’s creations! Don’t forget the “What if…?” categories that can apply to ships, cars, planes, helos, etc…
deffintely a form of art. Just think about it, we paint, so do artists. We can sculp things, like figs or custom parts, people make vases and stuff like that. And We even bend metal into shapes, more of an abstract art.
‘Art’ is a word used by ‘artists’-it’s grossly over-used. I am a commercial ‘artist’ but consider myself a craftsperson-just do your job or your hobby from the heart and forget words like ‘art’.
All good interpretations, but I tend to hang with the side that holds most modeling as a ‘craft’ more so than an art, and I also share the opinion that ‘art’ as a word is far too overused these days. ‘Art’ and ‘artist’ should be reserved for works that transcend the medium and produce some emotional response or statement. In that respect, there is no reason why someone can’t take a model and turn it into ‘art’, but with few exceptions this is not the case, myself included.
I think the closest thing I have seen to ‘art’ in the model world has been a handful of diroamas and shadowboxes, primarily done with figures, by the likes of Shep Paine, etc. But the subjects most commony modeled, e.g. military/wartime vehicles, should certainly be fertile ground for ‘art’, but usually the models just end up being finely crafted replicas/reproductions of vehicles, with figures arranged pleasantly to show off the maker’s craft. Kind of like a still life, or a flower arrangement. Rarely have I seen the drama or ‘life’ in these creations that true ‘art’ can evoke.
I remember having this discussion many times with the members of my old IPMS club. Always a stimulating subject.
Brian B.