I spent the morning editing bios for an upcoming ceramics show I am participating in next weekend. What I found interesting, was the sheer variety of titles participant’s used to describe themselves. Some identified as artists, while others preferred potter. There were ceramic artists, ceramicists, craftspeople, designers, artisans and makers. It got me thinking about the much-theorized topic of what constitutes an artist, and whether a metalsmith, potter or pâtissier, can be considered one. I usually refer to myself as a writer and a potter. I’m ok with potter, in fact, I think it sounds charming and nostalgic. But I understand that for a lot of people, it rings lowly and old fashioned. Pottery is functional. Ceramics is art. That’s the distinction many people make. The word art comes from a root that means to “join” or “fit together” I read today. So arguably, anyone who makes or crafts things is an artist. How we choose to identify ourselves is personal to the individual, (training, credentials, years-under-your-belt, all inform one’s choice) and it just so happens that we’re alive at time where definitions and perceptions are more flexible than ever. I say, call yourself whatever rings true to you. Which judging by the diversity of personal statements I read today, is what people are choosing to do.