What Is Art? (Ashley Peralta)

-What is art?
Art can be many different things. For example, it can be an expression of the self (artist). It can be the exploration of aesthetics in any medium like, use of color, light vs. dark, color combinations, and how light affects color. Art can be representative, metaphorical and full of symbolism, or simplistic. It can be the exploration of different mark-making techniques and different combinations of marks, brushstrokes, objects, subjects, and objects together to form different images, ideas, or messages (whether political or personal).
I believe there is art in everything. This statement may just be my appreciation for forms (man-made and architectural), or in nature. I notice different patterns, figures, colors and their combinations, and light/shadows. Art is creation but it can also be the findings in nature and noticing lines, shapes, patterns, and color/light.

-What is an artist? Is this an exclusive or inclusive title? Are titles necessary?
An artist is someone who creates. I feel that art is not just painting, drawing, and sculpture, but it is also building like in architecture, design, music, electronic art, etc. There is science and math in art as well (patterns, repeating patterns, the golden rule, and so on). Therefore, everyone and anyone who partakes in these creations can be considered an artist. The title "artist" becomes necessary in the art world and art market. The titles only divide the different job duties like, interior designer, architect, artist. Artist in the art world usually creates, displays, and sells works.

-Why make art at all?
Art is the process of creating. I believe if the term "art" never existed, that art would still be created. Designs will still be made for products, buildings, and decoration. Another reason one may create is to express oneself, their opinions, and to communicate (any sort of message; personal or political, or to another person). One may create just because it is possible and because they can. Creating (art) can be experimental as well (in using objects, forms, mediums, techniques, and rearranging the methods into something new). Creating (art) is an outlet for creativity and imagination as well.

-How do you asses art? (What makes it successful?)
Since art can be many different things and be present in many different realms of works (architecture, music, design, electronic, etc.), calling a piece of artwork successful or not is asking for individual opinions. In the art market, the majority would rule on deciding if a piece is successful or not or based on sales. Still, even if a prominent art critic reviews a show or a piece of work, their idea may be different from another viewer's taste in art. There are basic ways to asses a piece of art by, for example, the use of color, composition, or narrative of a piece, but this is only a starting point for starting a conversation about a work of art. In order to fully asses a work of art, one would need to explain why they would feel the work is successful or not, and I feel that is the most important thing to remember while assessing any piece of art work.