3 responses

1. 
   1016 days ago,
   Fred H Schlegel said:

   Both terms indicate admiration. I’m not sure I have consciously distinguished the two in the past, however, in looking back I think ‘down to a science’ applied to detail and precision over concept. ‘made an art of’ focused on creating something that surpasses the sum of its parts.

2. 
   1016 days ago,
   Lynne said:

   I think Fred put it beautifully… Interesting to think about!

3. 
   1015 days ago,
   Michelle Russell said:

   Hmm. Interesting. I guess to me, “down to a science” does imply a focus on systems. On mechanics, and on processes that maximize efficiency.

   For me, “down to an art” carries connotations of creativity and intuition. The “soul” or “spirit” of whatever is being done. And maybe technical proficiency, too.

   I think our culture teaches an artificial separation between science and art. There are some fairly repetitive mechanical aspects of creating any type of “art,” and there are also so many stories about how scientists have made their best discoveries through intuition and creative flashes.

   Good question, Cairene…I’m curious to see the other replies!