> [!NOTE]+ Meta > Reference:: Study of the Crafts Sector in Canada - 2024 > Date:: 2024 > Tags:: #warp #Canada > [!SUMMARY] Summary > Creative Export Canada defines craft as "artistic crafts". ### Highlights Craft and fine art are not separate entities but rather intertwined. Craft is generally defined by its material origins or skill-based approach to making, but this does not set it apart from fine art. The line between makers and artists is fluid and can be envisioned as a spectrum, and both draw inspiration from each other. Fine art has a long history of incorporating aspects of craft, and craft equally deserves recognition as a form of art. It is clear that the interconnection between craft and fine art is essential, and both are crucial components of the artistic landscape. Creative Export Canada labels craft as "artistic crafts" (which is not a commonly used term in the craft sector) and defines craft to include original artistic works and/or products, unique or in multiple copies, made by hand or with tools, or even mechanical means, as long as the direct manual contribution of the artisan remains the most substantial component of the finished product, that is defined as artistic, creative, cultural, decorative, traditional, or symbolic expressions, and that is related to the transformation of raw material (wood, clay, or earth) and/or processed material (e.g., metals, leather, textile) Exclusions are any completely factory-made production or ready-to-assemble machined part sets, including production from moulds that were not designed by craftspeople. All aesthetic, body care, hair care, bath products, candles, perfumes, soaps and food products. The terms "craftspeople" in English and "artisan" in French are commonly used to describe a person who creates crafts. The terms "craft artist" in English and "artiste en métiers d'art" in French refer to craft's more creative aspects. The CCF/FCMA and Provincial Craft Councils work with a definition of craft (both verb and noun) that entails: ● the creative mind-hand making of unique objects ● primarily in a range of traditional craft materials such as clay, glass, wood, metal, fabric and fibre, and natural materials (also, more recently involving new materials and processes such as creative recycling of plastics)