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Lesson One |
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There are many definitions of art. Most dictionaries define the noun, art, as the conscious use of both skill and imagination to create something that is aesthetically pleasing (or attractive). As a verb, art is usually defined as “to be”. Taking all definitions into consideration, it seems that art is defined best as both the mind (imagination) and body (skill) working together to consciously create an outlet for the spirit to attract others with the ultimate goal of effective and influential communication. The definition of art, ultimately, reveals the difference between creation and copy. True art doesn’t just copy what we see but reveals how the artist views it. For instance, any average person with a camera can take a snapshot to copy what they see but a photographic artist will take a photograph with great skill that reflects how the artist views it and in essence will create a piece of art which will communicate the spirit of that artist. The difference is, the copy originates outside but the art originates from the inside. One of the most important things about art is that it evokes reaction and communication. However, it must first attract, before it can communicate, just as you must get the attention of the person you wish to speak to in order to communicate with them affectively, so must the artist get the attention of their audience, before they can communicate as artists. That is why art must be aesthetically pleasing. Does art have to be aesthetically pleasing or attractive to everyone? No. However, it must be attractive to someone besides the artist because the ultimate goal of art is to allow communication between the spirit of the artist and an audience. You can’t communicate anything if nobody is paying attention. That is why art has to be attractive to at least someone besides the artist. Though, aesthetically pleasing or attractive does not necessarily mean pretty. Something interesting can be aesthetically pleasing or attractive. Something can also be so ugly that it attracts, as well. Does a film have to be a beautiful one to be considered art? No. Does a television show make you laugh to be considered art? No. Does a book have a happy ending in order to be considered art? No. If it possesses the ability to attract and communicate through the conscious use of imagination and skill, it is art or an art form (form of art). Just as the artist needs to be conscious of their use of imagination and skill and aesthetic value of their art while creating the art, we need to be conscious of the art that has been created. Art not only speaks for the spirit of the artist but it also speaks of and to the spirit of people. Art has the potential to be one of our most powerful tools but it can also be one of our deadliest of weapons. Art can be just as easily used as propaganda as it can for peace. We all need to be mindful that art has the power to hurt and also to heal the human spirit. We need to honor art that brings people together and be mindful of the art that has torn people apart. Art is one of the most important things in the universe, without art there would be no human progress. Art is the foundation of all human invention. Art is not only the conception but the birth of an idea. Artists have imagined not only their world but ours into being. From our work time to our play time, art is the most important factor in living. Our world, as we know it, would not exist, without art. Art allows us to learn, teach, build, and communicate with one another. Art allows us to share with one another, transcending all boundaries. Art is like a child, conceived and developed inside of us as a part of who we are, it eventually must be born. It is destined to breathe a life of its own and travel across time and space, fulfilling its reason for being. Art is the imaginary golden thread that connects all people from all places and times, creating the tapestry of our lives. From the most primitive people to the most advanced, there has been and will always be the need for art and artists. Within this art project is a reflection and view of each artist’s spirit and the spirit of art, as a whole. Through A Piece Of My HeArt Project we are able to share our spirits with others to communicate how we are all connected, through art, revealing the importance of art and the artist.
A List Of Some Things Art Is Responsible For: Communications (Recorded History, Letters, Postcards, Greeting Cards, Computer Software, Webpages) Buildings (Architecture, Furniture, Interior and Exterior Design. Landscape) Clothing (Textiles, Accessories, Fashion Design) Recreation (Movies, Books, Television, Computers, Video And Board Games, Amusement Parks, Commercials, Videos) Dining (Recipes, Table Settings, Utensils, Cookware, Presentation, Packaging, Labels) Transportation (Vehicle Design, Road Signs, Billboards)
Take a look around, see how many forms of art (art or reflections of art) you can find in a day. Then, imagine your day without art. Art really is important.
This is what this page would look like, without art. Don’t forget you have a “Back” button!!!
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