What is Art? ......
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Album:The Second Album
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After reading this weeks Gazette, I am sure 1234chainsaw might know where this is going ......So, What is Art? Don't be afraid. There is no wrong answer. In the end it is all subjective.
Comments (9)
First one must ask themselves what the difference between craft and art is. Craft is anything from a set skill, usually specific to a trade or medium (knitting could be considered craft over art - though there are some incredible pieces of art work being made in the new craft movement that are being knitted. So you can see it gets tricky when placing labels things). For the sake of definition, craft is usually representative of a skill set used for functional items or wares. Someone can be a skilled craftsman and make beautiful objects, but not be an artist. It is sometimes about intention and process.
Like I stated before, the skills of a craft can be rolled into the process of creating art, where the art takes on concept and leaves the realm of function. These pieces are made to be contemplated (for the most part) and are made in more limited quantities (versus crafted items usually exist ??for?? quantity).
There is also an issue of technique vs. skill. A wo/man interested in buying a guitar, they go to the music store and pick up a guitar. Wo/man plays the few chords they know with all their heart. Sales clerk comes over and starts playing every mode he knows and tells them how they don't know guitar until they know all their modes. Who is a better musician? The sales clerk has his technique down, but it doesn't mean he can write a song to save their life. Wo/man may have already written 30 songs and performed them only knowing 4 chords. Store clerk may be very skilled at technique, reading music, but not know anything about writing a song that will connect with people. Wo/man may not even be able to read music, but routinely brings tears to her listeners eyes.
I have seen paintings that are incredibly beautifully detailed, painted to the utmost realism down to single hair brushes of a single hair, and I've seen minimalist sculpture that also takes my breath away.
So in essence, art is that fine intersection where personal skill, technique, and meaning intersect. It is as much about inclusion as it is exclusion. Edison's quote about genius applies to art too "1% inspiration, 99% perspiration." So to end with some cliche's. It's not always about what you say, but how you say it.
Believe me, I could go on (and on and on...), but those are a few thoughts.