I heard someone say today that true art is something that has no other purpose than to be ‘art’. It should not be functional, it should not have any use other than to be what it is. Quite by coincidence, I then read a few hours later, an online discussion about the same issue.
I’m not sure whether I agree – my internal jury is still out on that one. There have some been some truly beautiful creations that I have admired and considered to be art, but they also have a function – for example, the Guggenheim Museum in Bilbao (just a one-off example, and an insight into at least one thing that I really appreciate).
Maybe my consideration of what is art is misaligned, or perhaps even uneducated. Or perhaps it means I’m not an art snob, who knows?!
All I know is that I truly enjoy creating art, not only with with words but also with paint, pastel, pen, ink, pens… the list is endless. I enjoy the process, sometimes even more than the end result (depending on whether I am happy with it or not!).
What do you think?
Today, the lovely Linda asks to write a stream of consciousness post on ‘art’ – a subject close to my heart. Why not head on over to her blog, read other writers’ thoughts and even take part yourself?
Freya Writes... 
I believe art can be functional or simply art for art’s sake. Since I have a small house, I must consider function and space before I bring art into my home. Our planet is a finite space, and with our population growing astronomically, limiting “art” to things without functional would seem extravagant, not to mention, sad. What’s wrong with enjoying art on our functional items? I think art can be any created thing that you enjoy. Thanks for asking. 🙂
I’m much more aligned with your way of thinking. Indulging in art in the ‘art for art’s sake’ mindset is such a luxury, and available to so few. Thank you for your comments!
I think art can be functional, because I believe design is art. Art for art’s sake is lovely, but beautiful functional items win me over all the same. 🙂
Me too, joey 🙂
I think art can be whatever the beholder sees it to be. So if it’s something functional, who’s to argue? 🙂
Agreed!