What Is Art?

A few weeks back, a group of us adorned the front of the Yellowstone Art Museum. We wrapped, tagged, climbed ladders and added a spark of color and texture to the front of our local museum.

guerrilla knitting

All those who participated felt a sense of euphoria with our spirited endeavor. Since then, I've heard a number of comments about our work. Some people found the fun and spirit of "Guerrilla Knitting" as inclusive, public art. Others, not so much. I have heard from those who feel that the museum is far too fine for "knitting." A museum is a place of dignity and refinement, and we certainly don't fill the bill on either score.
So, what is art, I ask you? I visited the YAM this past Thursday for the opening of the Polly Apfelbaum exhibit. Quite frankly, she brought up the age old question, "What is art?" Can someone purchase sequined fabric from the fabric store, lay it out on the floor and call it art? Well, to some, that is exactly what Polly did. However, in speaking to her, she explained that the reflection of the color on the walls and ceiling were her art. The architecture of the room, becomes art. Who knew? I walked through the entire exhibit looking down at the fabric, which by the way had rough cut selvage edges on every piece of fabric (a no-no for anyone from the sewing world). I had the feeling, as did others, of the story, The Emperor's New Clothes. Were we all deluding ourselves to see something that just wasn't there. Or was this fabric, real art?
This brings me back to the "What is Art" question. Must art only appear on walls from those who have acquired a fine arts degree or have name recognition?

Artists in a room

Can art only appear on canvasses from the likes of Rembrandt, Picasso, VanGogh?

Picasso

Or is art a beautifully knit sweater,
sweater

the side of a rail road box car full of graffiti,

box car

or a beautifully planted garden.

garden

I'm curious to know your definition of art, particularly as a knitter or crocheter. Some say knitting is ONLY a craft. What do you think?

Posted on Sun, April 4, 2010 by Julia Warmer

1 comment (Add your own)

1. Cara wrote:

I think art, in its finest expression, is the pursuit of beauty. I believe in God, the Creator, so I see the uniquely human privilege of developing our own virtue of creativity as being a heavenly pursuit. Therefore, art is perhaps in the motive or intention of the artist or crafter.

I've heard people say of a piece of furniture that it is a "work of art". If the motive is to "create" maybe that in and of itself makes the finished product art. People tend to reserve their accolades for the very young, but innocently promising finger painters, and those that have deleloped their skills to such a level that "to none is given the right to question" their accomplishment.

Mon, April 5, 2010 @ 7:22 PM