What is Art?

Art being such a large part of the world of World on Fire brings up a discussion about art itself. A term argued about from the start, there are many opinions about what’s considered art. People agree that paintings created on canvas with pol based paints are art, so Lucian is safe from any art argument. 

Definition from Wikipedia: Art is the product or process of deliberately arranging items (often with symbolic significance) in a way that influences and affects one or more of the senses, emotions, and intellect.
 Definition from Dictionary.com: The expression or application of human creative skill and imagination, typically in a visual form such as painting or sculpture.

What if art uses unconventional ways to create? The above gives examples of paintings or sculptures, but what if the items used are uncommon for paintings or sculptures? Artists seem to constantly branch out of the “normal” and find new ways to express their visions. The definition of art must also branch out. It’s my opinion that art has no restraints.

There’s an artist who uses feathers to create sculptures. Kate MccGwire

Is one still considered a painter if the paint is date stamped? Federico Pietrella

Does the how matter when the end result is clearly art?

Photo by Deidra Hill

What if the end result might be something people find strange or morbid?

One artist has gathered quite the attention from a group here in New Mexico with her Snuff Stuffie creations. Not everyone can look at these skull plushies and see a cute critter, but I find sure do. Custom Cranium Gallery

Some art ends with a knife and fork. Eating the canvas or sculpture is the whole point to lavish cake designs. Many argue that food is not art. But there is clearly talent in many of cake creations. Like this Stormtrooper Cake by Amanda Oakleaf.

photo by www.kgphoto.kuroigames.com

Is makeup art? I don’t mean the everyday fountain to cover blemishes. Lauren Schulte can create unique looks using makeup and talent. Be it an adorable look or a frightening monster—Lauren can create it. 

I’m no way an expert of conventional or unconventional art, but I’m constantly amazed by the creativity in others. These are just a few examples that have crossed my path or are a part of my life. Do you think the above isn’t art? What’s art to you?