I have been thinking lately about the language I use when speaking about myself and my work. To me it makes a difference in how I feel about what I do.  All through their childhood my children heard me say " Terminology is everything” and I stick with that ideal.  

I find that thinking of myself as an artist has a different result on how I think of my work than when I use the word craftsman. In my heart I believe I am a craftsman.  The objects I make and the way that I make them hold a large portion of the emotion I feel for my work. When I think of myself as an artist I find that I am looking more towards the content of the works and possibly am less concerned with process and the beauty of the object. The end result being I am happier with the work I am making when I think of being a craftsman.

Now comes the rub. The 2 terms, labels, words are loaded with meaning for many of us. I am sure you know what I am talking about.  Having spoken to a couple of important friends about this I was told that they think of themselves as printmakers.  This I like. 

What do you call yourself? Does it change your feelings about the work you are making? Do you simply avoid it ? I would very much like to hear from y’all.

Be well,

Ray