broad spectrums = lesser knowledge?

Today we were enlightened by the practises of Deborah Crowe. Artist, tutor, and in her mind a "practitioner".

Deborah uses a wide variety of materials ranging from the use of textiles, wire, flax, photoshop to produce digital collaged works, and the use of various other drawing mediums. As Deborah progressed within her art making processes, she began to realise that she wanted to make works which were in a three dimensional world. she wanted works which stood on their own. This was her transformation from using flat flax, and moving into the use of wire to make larger, three dimensional works. She spoke of her thoughts about art, and that she did not see herself as an artist. This was because she did not specialise under any kind of profession. She has knowledge within a wide range of things, and practices them. Hence, her self description.

For my own art practices, I feel that it is crucial to realise what it is that I am enjoying the most, and also what I am absolutely best at. For me, if I know that someting will not take me far in my practices, I usually begin to narrow down my options a little further. For example, I am not mesmerised by jewellery making. For someone who has decided to become unspecialised in my own opinion may lack crucial skills picked up from a specific subject. By specialising, it gives you much more time to practice within one subject, and learn even further skills, to push your learning and understanding of it even more. If you were unspecialised, I would think that someones understanding of say, Digital Photography, (along side several other ideals) would be lesser to a man whom has purely learnt how to use a digital camera and photoshop. These things may come more natural to him because of his constant practice. I do not believe in doing everything for the sake of doing everything.

HOWEVER, although I say this now, I am bound to contradict myself immensely because I also do believe that having a slightly broader spectrum of learning can also be a plus in terms of individuality. You will know more skills, and be more likely to make newer and more unusual works. You will have the freedom to open your mind and create almost anything you think possible. I merely think that having too much knowledge can possibly be a downfall. I also feel that in my own art, I will eventually specialise, although I would have atleast one or two other subjects to back up my art practice because specialising within perhaps a couple of practices can be a very good thing indeed.