In the chapter 'Arts and Crafts' he discusses the relationship between the arts and crafts and the boundaries that divide them or lack thereof: based on his experience in the United States. His biggest downfall to his argument is his lack of examples and references from other sources and mediums.

Becker's approach is fairly objective, giving a viable explanation to the topics approached. He writes that there is no clear and decisive interpretation of definition between arts and crafts and that depending on the contexts it is put into there can be a certain amount of transgression between the two worlds. Becker defines craft as the following, "In the pure folk definition the craft consists of a body of knowledge and skill which can be used to produce useful objects". Or from the slightly differ

A good reflection of this idea is the work of Tasmanian furniture designer Kevin Perkins whose technical skills and ideas have won him great acclaim. He states "Things that you're doing have got to get personal...if its just making, it doesn't hit the spot for me. I've got to have a reason to do the work that gives me some excitement... Otherwise it's just a bit of cabinet...might as well get anyone to do it."

Becker uses the work or Robert Arneson 'Sinking Brick Plates' and 'A Tremendous Teapot' to illustrate this point. He classifies Arneson as an artist because of the indifferent works he produces, i.e. they lack utility, but Arneson himself "ridicules the idea of art and conventional artists ". His work involves all the skills of a master of ceramics. Becker's idea has perhaps overlooked the utility of aesthetics and expression that Arneson is obviously creating.

For someone to be an artist it is almost impossible to deny that there is some necessity to be skilled to a certain degree, to be able to create a product or work. There of course some acceptions to this like the works of Jeff Koons who contracts the labor of highly skilled craftsmen to construct his giant sculptures. He is fairly adamant about his accomplishments as an artist, although he has his critics. Well-known critic Robert Hughes doubts very much the ability of Kooks to call himself an artist for the very reason of his lack of skill as much as the content of his work. He states in his television series 'American visions' that "Koons' work is, at best, art, which cannot be taken seriously".

ent point of view, it consists of the ability to perform in a useful way. He goes on to outline the tangible aspects of usefulness, depending upon the context they are used in, being the external or internal factors of the world referred to.

Becker's idea of skill is one that, while not wrong, is perhaps not truly reflective of the people he is discussing. He believes it to be a mastering of ability, in both the physical and mental disciplines; which allows extra ordinary control over the craft materials and techniques. The general consensus from individuals involved in these areas seems to be somewhat contradictory of Becker's stance. The makers with the most direct line to the arts and crafts movement tend to think of craft skills as challenge, both social and aesthetic, to automated industry

Some common words found in the essay are:
Arts Crafts', Tremendous Teapot', Robert Hughes, Craft Initially, ATTACHMENT Becker's, Kevin Perkins, Jeff Koons, arts crafts, art craft, , craft art, Jeannette Rein, relationship arts, craft world, academic art, Brick Plates', relationship arts crafts, worlds art craft, personal distinction, values placed, worlds art, technical skills, individuals personal distinction,
Approximate Word count = 1600
Approximate Pages = 6 (250 words per page double spaced)