What is Art?

What is art? Is it serious stuff or is it play? In the studio, sometimes I play with scrap fabrics and place them together just to see what they look like. Or two fabrics fall on the floor together and I like the way they look. Do any of the lines or colors on one of the pieces line up well with lines or colors on the other? If they do, is it art? If they don’t is it not art?

Is there a story to be found when the two fabrics are put together? Can an artwork be created with just these two fabrics? Sometimes, simplicity is best. Sometimes there needs to be a lot more complexity to clearly tell the story. Perhaps a few more lines or some different textures will complete the piece.

Does an artwork even need to be completed, or can you just relish the momentary juxtaposition? Does it have to be permanent to be art? I’m grateful to be able to capture these moments in nature and in my studio even if they are just fleeting moments and I’m the only one to see them. It’s not important to me if it exists for seconds or for centuries.

Art, to me, is something that is created intentionally. If it occurs by accident and then the person decides to keep it like it landed, it becomes an intentional act and it is art. I know not everyone agrees with this, but the disagreement keeps us thinking and exploring.

For me, I make art to play, to explore designs and compositions, to tell a story, and to portray a message. And it’s okay if no one else sees it. Sometimes I make art only for me. It’s wonderful to be an artist.