I have struggled with the definition of this term all my life. From my reading, I've found that people often equate the word “art” to creative art or fine art. They believe that skill is being used to express the artist’s creativity and that the artist is trying to make the audience consider the “finer” things. Often, examples like oil paintings or marble sculptures are given.
If that skill is being used to make a functional object, it's often considered to be a craft, not art. That might include a photograph or a quilt or a stained glass window or a wood carving or a novel. If that skill is being used to make a commercial or industrial product, it's usually considered to be design or applied art, again not art. That might include a Porche or a set of dishes or a soup can.
Thus, the only supposed function of true art is to convey or communicate an idea. If you've read this far, you've probably guessed correctly that, like most people, I'm still struggling with the definition of art. From my perspective, all of these categories of art seem to overlap in many respects.
But, then, does it really matter what the definition of art is, especially if no-one can agree on a definition? The taxonomist in me wants to be able to look at something and say, 'that' belongs 'there'. But, I know there are other taxonomists out there that might disagree and put 'that' somewhere else. Who's to say who's right?
Oh cousin, you know art is in the eye of the beholder. A quilt may be a blanket to some and an art piece to another who hangs it on the wall. A potted vase holds flowers but is more than a craft to the potter. Scientist versus social worker. Art is functional, a process-ask the art therapist or better yet the expressionist art therapist. Art is all around us. The photo with its colour, composition, content is art or just a family photo with members surrounding a birthday cake! Art is everywhere. A garden, a lavishing laid festive table- why question it! Just enjoy the art!
ReplyDeletei couldn't agree with you more, barb ... art, like beauty, is in the eye of the beholder.
ReplyDeletei recall the heated discussions about the works of norman rockwell, some saying he was 'just' a good illustrator, others that he had more art in his small finger that many of the abstract 'artists' of the day. people later said the same about robert bateman.
oh, that I had an original of either of these great artists!
Yes you get it! Actually art is a life well lived- enjoying, seeing beauty- an artist can be anybody- our Dad, our Mom, our little grandchildren with their beautiful thoughtful pictures that we put on our fridge! I also do not have originals of Bateman or Rockwell but I do have a Maisie Park original! Give me a price!
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