B Rad of the W

There has been some discussion of art in my circles. Often I talk with others about what I do or enjoy doing and a lot of that revolves around art. In arts high school there was a push to create and explore art. In college the graphic designers were at constant war with the painters and sculptures as to what fell into the definition of art. What is art? What is art for? Who can make art? If you create for money is it art? Through all these experiences I have slowly formed my own definition of art and patched together my artist statement. I very strongly believe in my view. The best part is that this view is constantly evolving and morphing as I experience new things. If a person has a different take on art it in no way offends me. I simply state my thoughts on it and bid them good day. From time to time someone has a point of view that makes me sharpen, alter or adjust my thoughts or statement.

So with that I bring you a long and perhaps boring post about what art is… by my definition.

Art is a process not a product

Art is the process of original creation. When the creation or art process is done the art is no more. What remains is a physical remnant or document of the art process. The purest form of art is experiencing; being the creator and originator of the art process. During the creation of art the artist approaches with an open exploring mind and focuses intently on the process at hand. An undefinable state of focused thought, emotion, and energy often strip away time and presence. For me this creative outlet creates a energized collected feeling that I find very rewarding.

To experience art in it’s purest form one must create the art. To witness the art process is the purest form of art the viewer can achieve. Few actually take the time or have the resources to witness art and therefore have to settle with enjoying the art remnants.

Art remnants can tell a lot about the art process and can be very pleasing to any one or all of the senses. For these reasons remnants can be valued and enjoyed but they are still only a reference to the actual art. Each art process can only be experienced once. The remnant can remain for generations or never exist at all.

To further illustrate or confuse:
A persons body is a living remnant or document of the actual person. A persons mannerisms, value system, personality, body language and attitude is the real essence of the person. It is the act or process of being you that is you. Art is not a living breathing entity but it is a process.

The best way to slightly illustrate the state or mind-set that takes place during the art process is to compare it to when you are driving a vehicle long distances. When driving alone for a lengthy period in a state of encompassing thought about nothing you can suddenly realize you are fifteen minutes from your destination and wonder about the seeming lapse in time. This intense yet unleashed thought process often leaves you feeling relaxed and energized.

Because art is a process most anything can be art as the definition of art is up to the artist. Swirling your toes in the water off the end of a dock can be art if you are in the right state of mind.

Art vs. Craft:
The line between craft and art is very fine and any artist that makes money from art remnants has probably wandered between art and craft. There are also varying degrees of both craft and art. Not all degrees are as universally appreciated and not all degrees are as pure for the artist.

Crafts are an enjoyable rhythmic release of talent. Most people that partake in crafts are very talented as the techniques and skills used in crafts take time, patience and the right person to master. Once craft skills are mastered they are often repeated many times to create multiple similar items. Crafters often borrow ideas, patterns and skills from other crafters and artists.

Art is an original creation process. The artist puts their talent, creativity and life experiences into the inception of an original, unique and new art process. Frequently an artist will duplicate, modify or further explore a previous art process they have created. Modifying a previous art process creates a separate less pure art process. Exact duplication of a previous art process is craft.