(I posted this poll on the ARC forum. I thought I’d post here for you fine folks as well.)
Is scale modeling an “art”? Yes or no? One could have a convincing argument for either answer.
Scale modeling is an art. People may or may not relate to the subject of the model, but they will always admire a well made piece. The best built models, such as a diorama that actually “tells a story” are awe-inspiring, that in inself is art.
On the flip side, the definition of modeling is to mimick something. There’s very little room for creativity. In fact, the better a model is made (ie staying to the real world object), the less creative it is. Hence it is not an art.
While modelers have some artistic talent & use some of the same tools & materials as artists, I consider modeling a craft. You can make an argument either way, but that’s how I view the models I build.
Well, art is in the eye of the beholder. So to some eyes crafting fine scale models is art, to others it’s playing with kid’s toys.
So, maybe art is the perception of things the viewer feels he cannot do. The more capable someone is at something, the less magical the end result is. So to some a virtuoso violinist is wonderful, to another violinist it’s merely sawing at strings.
I remember watching a plasterer, that’s right, somebody who coats walls with plaster, and I was amazed at their ability. The fluidity of motion, the sparse expense of effort, the silky smoothness left by the stroke of the trowel (not to be confused with trowl. arf! arf!). I have tried to plaster, and it has not been pretty. Is the application of plaster an art? Not really, but it can appear to be artistic.
Nevertheless, Trowlfazz is correct. Without putting pressure on ourselves, it’s a great outlet and craft and lost of fun!