What is art?
The book definition describes art as the expression or application of human creative skill and imagination by producing works to be appreciated primarily for their beauty or emotional power.
Sure, that may be the literal definition but to others art is much more than just a textbook specification.
When humans create art, we use the right side of our brain, our creative, and more loosely structured senses. We are allowed to release any tension, structure, or routine, typically associated with using the left side of the brain, and just let go.
Art is a painting, a drawing, a sculpture, a design, and a photograph. Oil pastels, colored pencils, acrylics, watercolors, ink, and film are our materials. Canvases, walls, sidewalks, papers, journals, and templates are our backgrounds.
Art is the Mona Lisa by Leonardo da Vinci, Starry Night by Vincent Van Gogh, the Sistine Chapel ceiling by Michaelangelo, and Poppies by Claude Monet.
Art is the mural you see when you walk down the streets of New York City or Boston. Art is the chalk you see covering the sidewalk during the springtime.
Art is emotion.
Art is expression.
Art is abstract.
Art is realistic.
Art is confusing.
Art is complex.
Art is therapy.
Art is truthful.
Art is creativity.