Glass-Blowing Blows my Mind

Glass-blowing is a very intricate process which involves taking a molten piece of glass and administering a small amount of air to it in order to inflate and expand it. This creates, essentially, a glass bubble which hardens as the glass cools down. The people blowing the glass--called glass-smiths--can shape and layer the glass by applying different amounts of air to different thicknesses of molten glass. Once cooled, they can then add color by either dyeing or painting the glass.

The above process is used to make many things, including sculptures, bowls, vases, beads, pipes and other pieces (yeah, I went there), and so much more. Each glass-smith has unique styles and techniques for blowing glass, and I find the process and the products fascinating. I definitely believe there is an artist element involved.

One thing we discussed in class is the difference between art and craft. We agreed as a group that things such as knitting and making oriental rugs were crafts--not art--because the products had a practical use and were not just meant to provide aesthetic beauty. The products of glass-blowing are definitely beautiful pieces, but many of them also have a practical use, as well.

Therefore, my question: Would you consider glass-blowing an art or a craft? Why?