What is Art?

Many a time I've heard the question asked, "What is art?"  It's asked time and time again, but no clear answer is ever given.  It's not like it's an impossible question to answer, but one of the most difficult a person can face.

The reason for this is mainly because art, in all it's forms, cannot be interpreted by two different people the same way.  You and I cannot look at a painting or drawing; listen to a piece of music; or watch a play, dance, or opera and get the same experience out of it.  The reason for this is a matter of perspective.  As we each have different molding factors in our lives that determine who and what we are, these same factors shape how we perceive the world we live in and those things that we all share, such as the arts.  Now you may be wondering, 'Why is he talking about perspectives?  I thought he was talking about what art is.'  I'm getting to that, but the matters of perspective has to be made clear.

Now since we understand that two people cannot be interpreted the same way, how can art truly be defined for what it is to all people?  It's actually very simple, and it comes down to three small but crucial factors.  It's these three factors that if an artist can create a piece with them in it, the piece can truly be called art.  Those three factors are talent, skill, and soul.

Talent is not that hard to find, but only those who truly have it can make honest art.  For some it's a natural gift that seems as if you were born with.  Others have it, but need some sort of motivation to use it.  Then there are those who have it but choose to disregard it, to neglect it, and it eats them up inside until its gone.  Think of talent as a burning candle in a holder.  It's there, giving light to what you do, but if neglected it will burn itself out.  It's up to you to use the flame to light a new candle as time goes on to keep the light shining.

Skill is the simplest of the three to gain, but can take the longest to make use of.  Many strive to work on their skills, those with talent and those who do not.  There are many who have the skills needed, but do not have the talent.  The reason why one needs talent is to be able to impart more to the piece they create than just what tools can.  Those who don't have talent can only go so far, but the same can be said for those with only talent.  If you don't strive to improve all the time, you will find yourself falling off the path at the wayside, stuck in the rut of mediocrity.

Soul, our final factor, is the hardest to put into words, and, as such, the hardest to be found.  Basically it's the artist's ability to create a piece that has a life of it's own.  To impart more than just an extension of their will and soul, but to give it's own as well.

If one can impart all three of those factors into their artwork, whether it be musical composition, drawing, dance, or any other artform, they have accomplished what many strive to do but fail.  They have become true artists, and have created true art.

So, what is the answer the question "What is art?"  The answer is simply artwork that shows the skill, talent, and ability to impart a soul into their pieces.  Again, with reference to perspective, this will be in the eye of the beholder, but it's true worth will be seen.  Patience is the key in that matter, but that is something for another day.