Art

I love art: there are no clear definitions or guidelines, yet, there are standards.

Even years ago in high school, friends were angry that the teacher had given their work low scores. They asked: 'how can she rate abstract art?'

For me, a work of art stands somewhat independent from the artist as well as the appreciator. It has its own existence: the creator and viewer have their own perspectives and interpretations but neither is complete.

Does it matter what the artist intended? How about the historical context? Should how it was created matter? Should we care about the personality and life history of the artist him/herself? What of the work’s history? How relevant are all the different interpretation of the art? Should we care if it evokes emotions, makes us think or tells a story? Does the work need to be beautiful in some way? Must there be an element of craftsmanship and skill in its creation? Must there be an intent to create art?

It all matters. A work of art whether a graffiti in the subway or a guarded statue in Florence is complex. And of course, how one makes tea, marks a page in a book or talks to people can be equally artistic and complex. Pure abstract thoughts are oftentimes wondrous works of art.

So, does that mean everything is a work of art and dependent on the eye of the beholder? No- everything is not art, and not all art is good. It does however make all of us creators and appreciators of art.