Art enriches the world around us, and yet modern society seems to value it so little. No time for appreciation of artistic endeavours, as though it was something reserved for the rich, cultured and educated. To this I say PAH! What is art? "the use of skill and imagination in the creation of aesthetic objects, environments, or experiences that can be shared with others" (Britannica Online) is one explanation. However, one explanation I found online was simpler and I like it much better. The explanation was "Art is form, and Art is content". This means that the form is the aesthetic shape that it has taken, the space in real-time if you will-- and the content is what perhaps the artist intended to convey, the feelings it evokes and how it affects us. I thought initially that this was a clear way to define art from craft. But as I typed along and completed the thought I realized, that crafts can have both form and embrace the elements of art, and they can provide a commentary or evoke an emotion. One only need think of reproductions of classic ornaments.... when we see them we are thrown backwards in time. The artist/craftsperson has created a sense of nostalgia. How can that not be art? So the tricky part then becomes, how do we split the schlock from the art?
I saw an exhibit recently that was what I initially thought was rather terribly and pathetic. It did not suit the space in which it was shown, the sculpture had form but failed to evoke any content even as I struggled to find it. The second exhibit was craft-y and kitschy in form-- yet the content was very artistic and pushing the envelope. What is the balance? I am thinking that perhaps what defines art for me is something that draws me in due to its form, and strikes some deeper level in the moment of observation. Most importantly, when I leave I still can revisit that piece of art in my mind and be impacted by it. Do you need a degree to observe shape, form, colour, space etc etc? Nope. And when it comes to content you only need be connected and able to communicate your experience. I hope after reading you will perhaps think of "art" you have seen and been moved my-- good or bad. My one wish is to see the craftsperson once again be revered for their skill and admired as an artist in their own medium... the cabinetmakers, the carpenters, the tile guys you lay an intricate mosaic floor.... Lets bring beauty back to our world and ditch the utilitarianism of suburbia, big box stores, slapped up houses, Walmart..... and express our own selves a little more in the every day. Buck that conformity friends.
