What is art?  This is such a simple question, but the answer may not be as simple. The dictionary definition of art says that it is “the conscious use of skill and creative imagination, especially in the production of aesthetic objects” (Merriam-Webster).  Art is a complex concept that crosses societal values and principles, culture, history, and disciplines. It represents human emotions creatively, and communicates those emotions innovatively, and often reflects on society as a medium for creating meaningful concepts.

But art is so diverse that it cannot be described by a simple definition or statement.  “Art is the activity by which a person, having experienced an emotion, intentionally transmits it to others” – Leo Tolstoy.  You probably recognize Tolstoy as being the author of the acclaimed novel, War and Peace, which reflected his experiences in the Crimean War.  The point he makes is that people look at art based on their own experiences, which makes art different for everybody.

 

Art has a variety of mediums and characteristics that make up unique forms, each with a particular purpose or reason:

 

VISUAL ARTS

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PERFORMING ARTS

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LITERARY ARTS

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APPLIED ARTS

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FOLK AND TRADITIONAL ARTS

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In summary, art is an individual thing:  it is a passion, a story creatively expressed.  Again, quoting Tolstoy: “The activity of art is based on the capacity of people to infect others with their own emotions and to be infected by the emotions of others. Strong emotions, weak emotions, important emotions or irrelevant emotions, good emotions or bad emotions – if they contaminate the reader, the spectator, or the listener – it attains the function of art.”

 

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The Art of Creativity

by Anonymous

 

We are alike but different
while we feel insignificant
We all have something to show
but only have creativity alone.
A pen of power,
A pencil of promise,
A brush of brilliance,
A clay of comfort,
A dance of description,
An act of ability,
A melody of magic.
We dream, We inspire
A gift we require
Our meaningful expression
Of a quality in question.

We dazzle, We delight
In an image upright
In a world where we cannot
By our imaginations we are caught.

A heart of sensitivity,
The art of creativity.