Jimmy Schoettle

What is Art?

The Merriam-Webster dictionary defines Art as:

Function: noun
Etymology: Middle English, from Old French, from Latin art-, ars -- more at ARM
1 : skill acquired by experience, study, or observation <the art of making friends>
2 a : a branch of learning: (1) : one of the humanities (2) plural : LIBERAL ARTS b archaic : LEARNING, SCHOLARSHIP
3 : an occupation requiring knowledge or skill <the art of organ building>
4 a : the conscious use of skill and creative imagination especially in the production of aesthetic objects; also : works so produced b (1) : FINE ARTS (2) : one of the fine arts (3) : a graphic art
5 a archaic : a skillful plan b : the quality or state of being artful
6 : decorative or illustrative elements in printed matter
synonyms ART, SKILL, CUNNING, ARTIFICE, CRAFT mean the faculty of executing well what one has devised. ART implies a personal, unanalyzable creative power <the art of choosing the right word>. SKILL stresses technical knowledge and proficiency <the skill of a glassblower>. CUNNING suggests ingenuity and subtlety in devising, inventing, or executing <a mystery plotted with great cunning>. ARTIFICE suggests technical skill especially in imitating things in nature <believed realism in film could be achieved only by artifice>. CRAFT may imply expertness in workmanship <the craft of a master goldsmith>.

I think I like the first definition the best “skill acquired by experience, study, or observation”. Some of the world’s most profound artist’s have acquired amazing skills in performing the work they do. Art professionals and scholars who have studied these techniques can embrace the talents of the masters. Yet how much of the mastery is lost to the common observer?  I have learned first hand as a professional musician that some of the most accomplished, skilled and technically proficient players are many times the least known and appreciated.  Does this fact diminish their talent?  I’d suggest not.

Art like music, and the appreciation of both, seem to be very subjective, truly a matter of personal preference.  If someone says their favorite color is green I doubt that I could change there mind no matter how hard I try to convince them that red is really a better color.  What makes any of us choose the things we “like” tend to be related to environment, education, and exposure to different stimulus.  Someone who spent years looking at “Velvet Elvis” paintings will probably enjoy those more than looking at a Rembrandt.  Again which is “better” green or red? I think we all know the answer to that one  but the dilemma still exists, what makes it ART?

I have been to “art galleries” and have seen pieces of art that had price tags of $50,000 that looked like they were painted by a monkey with a squirt gun.  I have also been to grade school art fairs and have seen work that should be shown in museums.  Is either more “valid” than the other?  Are the unknown works less acceptable because they are created by less tenured artists?  In my opinion NO!  Beauty truly is in the eye of the beholder.

So next time you see a piece of art that you really don’t get…. You can bet that somewhere there probably is someone who does get it…. And LOVES it! 

It’s this sense of “acceptance” for all different types of art and levels of experience that ArtInDenver.com is trying to promote.  We won’t discriminate between experienced professionals, fledgling artists, or art students.  This is a forum for all to be seen and purchased, because we know some will like green more than red.

That’s just my opinion…… I could be wrong.

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