What Is Art?

« Inspiration

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That just might be one of the most universally challenging questions out there. For me, much of the art in my home is painted and drawn by my son. I started framing his pieces early on to encourage him to see his work as important.

I have a series of colorful little bundles he colored when he was four years old. There's the gorgeous watercolor pumpkin from kindergarten. I get rave reviews for the grouping of hearts he painted in first grade. He did a fish swimming in pink water that is outstanding both for its unique use of color and detail. I have a chalk still life of a lemon and cherries that is out of this world.

When I was planning what to buy my soon-to-be husband for a wedding gift, I was drawn to art. I found an exquisite triptych of clouds painted by a good friend. They are calming, emotional, and absolutely gorgeous. Every time we look at them, we are reminded of our beautiful wedding day.

I catered, for a brief period, with a young woman who was funny and quirky. Imagine my surprise when I discovered, years later, that she was also an artist. I now own her incredible pen and ink drawing of a Victorian couple passing love letters.

Each piece of art in my home has significance to me, and in many cases, the artist is also a part of my life. There's nothing wrong with commercially produced art, but I like knowing the story and the creator behind the work.

So, what is art? Art is what moves you. Art is what makes you see yourself through someone else's vision. Art is what inspires you. Art is what delights you. Art is what makes you stop and see something in an entirely different way.

Kind of seems like that might also be life, doesn't it? No wonder we're so drawn to it.