Artist or Artisan? Finding My Place as a Maker
Recently, I watched an interview with an artisan at Il Papiro in Florence, a historic studio known for its hand-marbled papers and traditional book arts. When the interviewer asked if he was an artist, he gently replied, “No, not an artist. I am an artisan.”
That simple response stayed with me. As someone who designs embroidery patterns, makes handmade books, and works slowly with paper, thread, and fabric, I found myself asking the same quiet question: Am I an artist, or am I an artisan?
The Difference Between an Artist and an Artisan
Both artists and artisans create. Both care deeply about their work. Both bring beauty into the world. But their focus is often different.
An artist is typically guided by expression. They create from vision, emotion, and personal voice. Their work asks, what am I trying to say?
An artisan, on the other hand, is guided by craft. They focus on skill, materials, technique, and process. Their work asks, how beautifully can this be made?
Historically, artisans were the bookbinders, embroiderers, paper marblers, and textile makers who devoted years to mastering their craft. Their work was not rushed. It was intentional, practiced, and deeply rooted in tradition.
An artisan, on the other hand, is guided by craft. They focus on skill, materials, technique, and process. Their work asks, how beautifully can this be made?
Historically, artisans were the bookbinders, embroiderers, paper marblers, and textile makers who devoted years to mastering their craft. Their work was not rushed. It was intentional, practiced, and deeply rooted in tradition.
My Work as an Embroidery Artist and Artisan
When I begin a piece, I start with design. I draw my own embroidery patterns. I choose the motifs, the feeling, and the quiet story behind the stitches. That part of my work is artistic.
But then comes the slow stitching — the rhythm of the needle, the texture of thread against fabric, and the patience of handwork. The repetition builds both skill and calm. That part is undeniably artisan.
I am not simply following pre-made patterns. I am designing them and then bringing them to life through careful, intentional hand stitching.
The Quiet Space Between Art and Craft
Over time, I have realized something gentle but important: I do not have to choose between being an artist and an artisan. My work lives in the space between the two.
I am an artist when I design original embroidery patterns, create visual stories through thread and fabric, and develop ideas inspired by slow, intentional living.
I am an artisan when I stitch each piece by hand, bind books using traditional techniques, and work slowly with materials, honoring the process.
Handmade practices like embroidery, bookbinding, paper marbling, and slow stitching have always existed in this in-between space — where creativity meets craftsmanship.
Why the Word “Artisan” Matters to Me
In traditional studios, especially places like Florence, the word artisan is not a lesser title. It is a respected one. It represents devotion to craft, respect for materials, years of skill and practice, and making beauty with intention.
Being an artisan does not mean there is less creativity. It means creativity is grounded in process. And that deeply resonates with how I create.
How I Now Describe My Work
If I had to choose one word, it would never fully capture what I do. I am an embroidery artist, a bookbinder, a slow maker, and also an artisan.
I design each pattern by hand, then stitch and create slowly, honoring both creativity and tradition. My work is not about speed or mass production. It is about intention, texture, and the quiet joy of making something by hand.
In a fast-moving world, I choose to create slowly — thread by thread, page by page, stitch by stitch. Perhaps my work is not just art, and not just craft, but a gentle union of both: artist and artisan, working together in every piece I make.
