What is Art?

ärt/
noun: art; plural noun: arts; plural noun: the arts

1. 1. 
the expression or application of human creative skill and imagination, typically in a visual form such as painting or sculpture, producing works to be appreciated primarily for their beauty or emotional power.

Ok, blah, blah blah. So what is art? It is getting harder and harder to tell these days. Works by elephants, painted at various zoos are sold as art – so much for the part of the definition that calls for human creative skill and imagination! I guess for me, art does have to be made by a human being. It doesn’t have to be purposeful or functional, but it can be. I don’t think it needs to be limited to a specific form or structure, but it should answer some of these questions: What is it about? What does it mean? Why was it made? Does it simulate conversation socially, politically or artistically? If you can get some answers to these questions, then to me it is art.
I am moved by art emotionally – I enjoy color, shape, form, and texture. I like engaging in the viewing process. My gut reaction is what will move me and help me to decide for myself if the work is “good” or at least interesting enough to keep me engaged. Going to art exhibitions inspires my own creative process and challenges the way I may look at the world. I enjoy seeing what people are creating. There is an amazing amount of interesting art out there that engages people in new ways.
This brings me to a dilemma that questions my definition of what is art. Recently I have been given some fabulous objects that are exquisite in shape, form, color, texture, and now another dimension – taste. I am talking about some of the most creative items that literally melt in my mouth. I am talking about chocolate, not just any chocolate, but unique artisan chocolate that look like small sculptures – true works of art. If you can eat it – is it art?
If it is only supposed to last a short amount of time, and it is photographed before it disappears, is it art? Andy Goldsworthy creates art from nature – he photographs the work he creates before it disappears back into the environment. This is certainly art – everyone says so!
Okay, I am rethinking my answer – maybe the definition of art is really simple – art is that which is created by the artist, and art is that which is experienced in the eye of the beholder.
My head hurts. It’s time to go back to the studio and create art.