what is art?

1. A piece of art exists depending on who you ask.  I once argued that everything is art, from the pencil on my desk to the fallen trash on the streets.  In trying to argue my side I realized the flaw in my theory.  How can art exist if there isn't at least one person that can acknowledge the art?  Though the fallen trash held my attention as temporary art, it existed as art solely because I found meaning in what I saw.  I’m not saying that art only exists if it has a deep meaning; I believe that art can be found in something that is purely decorative as well.  Art can found through sound, words, paints, decaying objects. It doesn't matter so long as one person can call it art and explain why.

2. An artist isn't only a painter or a sculptor; an artist can be someone who possesses an impressive skill in their profession.  For example skilled carpenters can be artists at what they do. The title can be exclusive or inclusive.  It’s the same as asking what is considered art.

3. Art is necessary; it records time in a way that most textbooks ignore.  Art is limitless in a world full of structure.  Without art, the world would be dull and meaningless.  Art crosses political boundaries without fear of disapproval.  Art cries for those who are tired of crying alone.  Art brings laughter and beauty on streets full of disappointment.  Art is necessary.

4.  Depending on what kind of art I’m looking at I change my expectations.  If I’m looking at a decorative piece of art, I decide whether or not the image keeps my attention long enough to be considered objectively appealing.  The one question that I ask for all art before seeking extra information is, “Does this piece make me want to continue looking at it, or do I just want to keep walking by?”  Sometimes it’s necessary to know the artist’s intent.

There is definitely good art and bad art.  There are no universal guidelines that differentiate good and bad art.  Viewers, art critics, instructors, they are all going to have their own idea of what is good and what is bad.  Some people will say good art sells; some think that good art has to be emotional and inventive.  That’s why good and bad art changes.  When Van Gogh was alive his art wasn’t considered good art, and now it is.  The difference from when he was alive to now is that the viewer changed.