So, I keep thinking and thinking about art.
All the time.  But I don't really know what I am thinking about.  It's more of a 'what is it?' than 'what if I did this?'  More of a 'who's to say?' than a 'I'm going to make something'.

The other day a friend of mine posted a painting that someone else did that was sort of funny, but poorly executed.  I mean, really really bad.  I wouldn't call it art, not ever.  I might call it an attempt, but even that falls short.  I'd like to think that if you call it art then that's what it is.  But is there a line we should draw?(heh...line...draw)  Or do we just let everyone have their opinions on what art is and what it isn't?
I can call my stuff art all day, every day and I can be pleased with it and watch how I grow as I make it and it never leaves my studio or garage (it hasn't by the way).  Is that enough?
When artists make things, it's with the knowledge that eventually, even dare I say, hopefully, it will reach the public, an audience.  So, I'd say we create with that knowledge...with an audience in mind, no matter how specific or general it is.  Also when we make these things we're putting our self into them, because, really, that's what we do, right?  Some of us are sharing joyful moments, political views, sexual identities, purging the demons, etc.
hmmm, ahhh, where am I going with this?  My train seems to have suddenly derailed...lost the track.  Let's pick up another line...

So I create this sculpture, let's say, and I show it for all the world to see.  It's sublime, I'd like to think.  It follows all the rules of art.  Dynamic, negative vs positive space, unity, balance, harmony...you get the idea.
Everyone loves its purity, its beauty.
So someone else comes along and has a painting.  It follows no rules whatsoever.  But it is well done...time has been spent on it.  It's message is so clear, everyone who looks upon it has an immediate understanding of what/why/who about the artist.
And here's one more, a print, oh my god, it's of a kitten and a ball of yarn.  Dead center.  Written at the top is says something like 'life is a long string and we should learn to unravel it' or something outrageously meaningless trying to be meaningful like that.  It's a bad print, poorly done in all ways with not an ounce of time or thought put into it.

Shit, which one?  We know more people are going to spend money on the kitten(prints of). The sculpture is going to be looked on in awe.  But what about the painting?  It is clearly a part of the artist, it is the artist.  I wonder, does anyone feel comfortable taking that piece and hanging it in their house, over their mantel for everyone to see?  Does that matter to the artist?  If he/she wants to make a living, yes.
Is it all art?  It frightens me to think so, but if we follow the theory that if you see it as art then it is art, well, then...

Should we set parameters for what art is?  Who sets those?  What if something new comes into the mix that we've never seen before?  How do we know?  Like the painting that doesn't follow the school of art rules, will it be dismissed?  What about the kitten?  What if it is actually done following the basic rules?

I don't know.  I'd like to say if you are creating something that you think is art, then it is...but there is so much out there that I would be offended by simply through the execution of it.  I should probably just keep my mouth shut.  But I have standards.  As much as I believe my standards are the best, they are only the best for me.
I think I am resigning myself to the fact that art is what you say art is.  I'm not happy about it, but there it is.  

Because I've resigned myself to this, I almost want to say, what's the point?  eek, right?
I do this all the time, you know, find that there is no absolute in something, that it's all relative and then apathy takes over.
I'm still going to make stuff because I find happiness in it and there isn't much I find happiness in lately.  And I will put it out there.  But I don't think I am really going to care much, if at all.

Love Beth.  (it's a statement not a closing)