What is Art?

     According to the dictionary, Art is " the expression or application of human creative skill and imagination,  usually a visual form, producing works to be appreciated primarily for their beauty or emotional power."

     This may be true for the public at large and this may be what "they" say, however to anyone who claims (in any thought or form) to be artist this is a thinly veiled attempt to conceal an ordeal.  Oh, there is "Emotional Power" alright. The kind that makes one want to scream, throw something, sulk, and trash their current work.  I often find (as I said earlier) that there is a failure to communicate between what my mind sees and my hands create.  And, if one more person tells me "It's OK, beauty is in the eye of beholder", I may commit Hara-Kiri .  

     Any artist serious about their craft will tell you, there is great joy and satisfaction when one is pleased with their work. However, more likely than not, the emotion is akin to irritation, vexation, exasperation, aggravation, and/or depression.  It took me a while, but I have finally accepted  the hair  shirt of my  passion.  A finished product falls in one of three categories:  "Well Done" (rarely), "It looks close to what I had in mind" (hopefully),  and "Expletive, expletive , why do I even try?"  

      One would think that it only matters what I think, what I am pleased with - not so much.  Often pieces I am thrilled with are of little interest to others. And paintings I would trash (or paint over to save the canvas) are attractive to others.  If someone asked me to describe my art, I think I would say, "An epiphany that is followed by self doubt and frustration combined with a slight possible dose of hope and  a heaping of insecurity."  But I soldier on,  enjoying the torment of my art and  searching for that piece, when finished, gives me some satisfaction and pleasure.  The Holy Grail.

     Reviewing  my previous words, one would think I am a martyr. And I am not. I enjoy the art.  I am often surprised when I stand back and look at a finished piece.  Sometimes it is what I initially envisioned and sometimes I am surprised by what I have created. Of course these successes are often painted on canvases hiding 2 or 3 disappointments.  I must enjoy it given the time, emotion, and thought that goes into each painting.