Final answer:
The term 'artist' historically related to mastery of a craft or manual labor, but today embodies a broader spectrum of creative activity. Technique is integral to artistic expression, as seen in the examples of musicians and innovators who merge technical skill with art. Art continuously evolves, using new methods and technologies.
Step-by-step explanation:
In ancient Greece and Rome, the concept of an artist did not exist as it does today. The Greek word techne, from which the English word technique is derived, referred to the mastery of any art or craft, and was profoundly linked to manual labor. The evolution from the perception of art as labor to a more exalted craftsmanship indicates a transformation in how art is viewed.
An artist is someone engaged in creating or practicing art, and this role transcends professional labels, infusing one's life with relaxation and enjoyment. In the context of their creative process, artists use techniques, technology, and various other skills to bring their visions to life. This includes the functional beauty seen in the Jomon culture's pottery, and extends to the thoughtful combination of aesthetics and utility in numerous forms of art.
Theater, music, and other forms of art require a solid foundation in both talent and technical skills. Musicians like Robert Gupta and innovators such as Tod Machover highlight the importance of technique and its role in pushing the boundaries of artistic expression and social impact. This relationship between technique and art ensures that the discipline continues to evolve and adapt, utilizing new technologies and methods brought about by industrial and cultural changes.