What is art? It can be a hard question to define, especially in today’s world of AI generated art. One of the definitions given by Merriam-Webster is “the conscious use of skill and creative imagination especially in the production of aesthetic objects.”
I don’t want this blog to dissolve into a rant (or argument in the comments) about the pros and cons of AI in the world of writing and visual art. I will say that I support it as a tool—just like other computer-aided art programs that came before, and computer-aided editing tools like spell check. But just like any carpenter or handyman will tell you, one tool is not enough—and no one particular tool is better than all the others. A range of tools, and the skill and knowledge to use them well, gives the handyman/artist the best opportunity to create an excellent final product.
As many have noticed when viewing fully AI generated images or reading fully AI written books, the final product seems to be missing something, even if there are no technical mistakes. What is missing? Human emotion, human soul, human spirit.
We don’t have to get religious or metaphysical to know that there are certain things that separate humans from animals and from even the most sophisticated AI—most notably, our ability to appreciate and interpret beauty, and our ability to create.
I’m currently reading a book called The Art Spirit. Written 1930 by American painter and art instructor Robert Henri, it’s an amazing collection of notes and teachings not only about the how-to’s of painting, but the very essence of art and the artist. The book is a treasure chest of beautiful and thought-provoking quotes. I’ll share just a few here:
When the artist is alive in any person, whatever his kind of work may be, he becomes an inventive, searching, daring, self-expressing creature… He disturbs, upsets, enlightens, and he opens the way for a better understanding.
Art after all is but an extension of language to the expression of sensations too subtle for words.
So now, whatever your artistic vocation is—painting, writing, music, dance, or just living life to the fullest—go create art!
What do you think makes someone an artist? How do you define art? Please share!
Like what you’re reading? Buy me a lemonade!
StorytellerGirl 
Thank you for this thought-provoking blog. I hope you’ll get a ton of responses. In my view, the artist must first understand and manage the accomplishment, approval, and acceptance quagmires. Both of them. The deeper one is in our own hearts. The place where we define ourselves. It asks, “Is this stuff scribble-scrabble or poetry? Am I wasting my time? Why did I spend all that money on a college degree?” The other, larger quagmire is the commercial marketplace. The place where the questions are, “Does anyone want to publish this novel? Will anyone buy it?” I believe if we ‘must’ create, and think the struggle to write is worth it, then we should continue. Accomplish some things. Rejoice in our work, accepting that these are first steps, and approve an ongoing effort to keep it up. At that point we have become artists.
If we are any good at it, the publishers will agree.
LikeLike
Thanks for sharing your view! The art and the marketing are definitely two different – but sometimes equally challenging – beasts. I love your line “Rejoice in our work.” That’s beautiful, and so true!
LikeLike
I believe everyone is an artist to some extent, which tends to get removed from us when we enter the education system.
Artistry is the personal stamp that we leave on a work. In my view, craft is the dedication to the refinement of the art and a deeper embodiment of our personal style in what we create.
LikeLike
A beautiful definition of art! Thanks for sharing your views. And I agree that everyone is an artist, but sadly our modern society and education system is designed to beat it out of us.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you and you’re welcome.
LikeLiked by 1 person