What Is Art?
Posted by Franziska on Aug 30, 2011 in Art, Blog | 9 commentsOn Sunday, I got interviewed by a friend’s grandson who had to do some research about artists for his boy scouts book. I was very honored that I got chosen for his project. It wasn’t too easy to answer all his questions, by the same time to make it simple, fun and understandable for his age. After the interview, I felt more understood than by an adult asking the same questions.
Not once did he ask why I paint and it didn’t feel like I had to explain. He understood. Because all kids like to paint & draw, act & dress up with costumes, sing & dance. Nobody is wondering why. And then one day, they stop, at least most of them. Now I am wondering why?! Because they are grown up?
All artists create for different reasons and many of us don’t even know why. So it is not surprising that art does not have a clear definition.
The use of skill and imagination in the creation of aesthetic objects, environments, or experiences that can be shared with others.
Traditional categories within the arts include literature (including poetry, drama, story, and so on), the visual arts (painting, drawing, sculpture, etc.), the graphic arts (painting, drawing, design, and other forms expressed on flat surfaces), the plastic arts (sculpture, modeling), the decorative arts (enamelwork, furniture design, mosaic, etc.), the performing arts (theatre, dance, music), music (as composition), and architecture (often including interior design). Britannica Online
I think this definition is pretty vague and could mean anything. And what’s the difference between crafts and arts? As soon as something has a purpose does it stop being art? Let’s use this example: a handcrafted, potted plate. When you hang it on the wall is it art but when you eat your food from it does it stop being art? When someone dances is it art or is it exercise? Is photography art -but how about your family photos? Are all photographers artists? Are kids artists or do they just play? At what age do their paintings turn into art? Is art limited to age? You all know the tacky, singing fish: is that art?
And then I find another statement on Wikipedia:
Generally, art is made with the intention of stimulating thoughts and emotions.
I guess art is something that can’t be fully understood or defined. One thing is for sure: the world would be poor and sad without art, even though we don’t know what it is. What’s your definition?
ohhh — this is good food for thought Franziska! What is art? It’s all subjective I suppose. I like the question you posed about the plate — art on the wall, but when you eat off of it, is it still art? I say Yes! Anything, any medium that is created out of nothing from love and inspiration is art. That’s my definition
Heidi & Atti
http://www.atticusuncensored.com
“commentary to give you paws…”
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Thanks Heidi!
I love that you can have art talk with kids and also have very intellectual discussions with philosophers. They all have some kind of truth and wisdom. The idea that art can’t be grabbed is fascinating to me and that there is no real definition of it.
I love your definition though, sums it up nicely
Franziska San Pedro recently posted..What Is Art?
Hmmmmmmmmm how wonderful Franziska, Definitely an excellent topic, although rather than Food for thought maybe Art is thought!
What is art? For me an expression of your soul, yes that’s it putting your soul on paper.
Obviously yours is beautiful even your painting shorts(?) are gorgeous.
Thanks for the pick me up.
Laine D
“Aspire to Inspire”
http://www.ThoughtsfromABroad.net
Laine D recently posted..Just my Cup of Tea
Hi Laine,
I like philosophizing about art! You are right, it’s a soul expression, that’s how it feels to me
(the shorts are a computer bag, when you go with your mouse over the picture, it shows the explanation), thanks for leaving your thoughtful comment Laine,
Franziska
Franziska San Pedro recently posted..CREATIVE MINDS: Bret Taylor
This is an awesome post you have here Franziska. I certainly relate to the questions you posed here. I am one of those people that can see art in the way the wind is blowing the leaves on a breezy spring day, or the colors that surround us on this journey called life. I loved the innocence of this post. Bravo! Awesome job!
Thanks for the follow on Twitter, I simply wanted to come in and have a look around; and to my satisfaction… I love the place.
Stay in touch.
Have a most awesome day.
Deeone recently posted..Keep Moving Forward
Hi,
thank you so much for your most wonderful comment, seeing art in moving leaves is exactly how I feel, too. What a beautiful picture you’re painting!
-I am happy we connected, too. Your comment made my day.
Have a fabulous day and I see you on Twitter or somewhere on your or my blog
Franziska
Franziska San Pedro recently posted..CREATIVE MINDS: Bret Taylor
Hi Franziska,
I had never really asked the question “what is art” until I took an art class in college. The professor taught us to look as most anything as art. As a class, we took a field trip where I recall the bus passing by an industrial plant when the professor cried out “look at that gorgeous art”.
In the movie “Man on Fire”, Rayburn said: “A man can be an artist… in anything, food, whatever. It depends on how good he is at it. Creasey’s art is death. He’s about to paint his masterpiece.”
Rachel Lavern recently posted..Your Amazing Brain
Hi Rachel,
the story with your teacher and the plant is hilarious! It reminded me of my art teacher which whom I had a lively discussion about art. We just walked from school to a museum and on the way she pointed at some trash in the gutters along the streets and said the exact same thing! it confused me for a while and I thought she was out of her mind but now I think it was one of the smartest things I have ever heard. You can see art in whatever you want and anything could trigger your imagination.
Thanks for sharing this, it brought back some great memories,
Franziska
Franziska San Pedro recently posted..CREATIVE MINDS: Bret Taylor
LOL. Yes, I thought my professors was out of his mind. It takes a creative mind to view ordinary things in that way, don’t you? In home decor, I love to use things for purposes different than they were intended for. Happy Labor Day!
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