How to define "art"?

[gigastrike]

I believe that an art is a skill that someone constantly attempts to perfect. Any action can be an art and all are equally artistic (though I'm not arguing that all are equally fulfilling). There is no such thing as "true art" or "fake art", the only factor is the magnitude of one's dedication to their skill of choice.

The fruits of the artist's labors are "works of art". The greatest works of art are the ones that required the most skill to create; however, for something to be considered a work of art, the artist must actually be trying to create something to the best of their ability (don't use the fact that someone's work of art isn't that great as a reason to say they're not true artists. That just makes you an elitist prick). A work of art doesn't have to be an object. It can be an action or something virtual, too (yes, video games can be art. Why couldn't they be? Because they're toys?).

I'm not saying that evoking emotions isn't art. That is simply one form out of possible infinite. What I am saying is that a turd sculpture can be art (no matter how much it offends you). It's all about the mind-set. Are you trying to create something great? If yes, then it's art.

 

[AvsJoe]

The definition of art varies from person to person. Some people would call 2 Girls 1 Cup art for instance. My definition of art is something that changes me, be it a picture, movie, song, situation, blog, odd-flavoured candy... basically everything and nothing.

 

[pigeon_of_doom]

I'm one of those people who considers architecture closer to craft than art. It is definitely a complex thing capable of evoking emotional response and draws inspiration from various influences, but I stand by the fact that one doesn't make a building primarily to make a statement. But the accessibility idea is intriguing... I've always been so stuck to the idea that "art has a message," that I disliked the idea of "art is something that evokes or expresses emotion," but a friend of mine writes beautiful poems that make no demands - they just tell the ongoing story of her life. I have no doubt that that is art, but then I don't know why architecture wouldn't be. Oh man, this is hard. xP

Yeah, you have a point about the designer's intent. It may be trying to create a certain aesthetic but although I've seen some impressive buildings I'm yet to see any buildings that do much more. And with some famous buildings, I wonder if the feelings people get from them mostly just as much from their historical significance as well as whatever unique appeal they have.

But yeah, this subject was hard enough without me bringing architecture into it. I suppose a major difference between architecture, and for example, your friend's poetry has a direct communication with the reader, and it's the same with all other art forms (to my knowledge), no matter how abstract or obtuse whatever's being communicated is. And buildings, while many people appreciate them, are rarely appreciated on that kind of level.

Some people would call 2 Girls 1 Cup art for instance.

...I am yet to meet that person and hope I never do.