What Makes Something Art?

In whatever form we take to express ourselves, if we include in it something unique about the way we see the world, it's an art. There are all types of art and countless mediums of expression for it.

Two things are vital to creating something that will be especially appreciated and valued:

1. some knowledge and mastery of the medium in which the expression is being made
2. instilling within that medium something unique to the way we interpret or see the world

A painter may distinguish himself or herself by perfect execution of painting technique and if it's exceptional it may win significant popularity based on that alone. But, if it contains something of its creator, it's more likely that a work of art will achieve greater meaning even if the technique used is mediocre. To be truly successful, a painting or drawing must be infused with a style particular to the individual.

This is also true, and perhaps even more obvious, for a writer. If a person writes very well, this will most definitely help to convey meaning in a more effective manner, but the meat of the art is in the message and how its delivery enhances that message. For that to be of interest to others it needs to contain some element, even if only a small one, that makes it new and appealing.

A photographer presses a button on a device that records a scene. Everyone can do that. Some can perhaps manipulate the camera technically better than others. But once a certain level of technique is achieved, the distinguishing characteristic becomes style, topics chosen, angle and emphasis.

Dancing and ballet are also extremely involved in technique and the importance of learned execution, but what makes one dancer stand out among others is what that person brings to the dancing. Acting is another example, where learning is extremely important, but the overall effect that the actor provides for the audience is very individual and entirely dependent on their ability to portray their character roles in a novel way.

It's very convenient that each one of us is unique. We may have many characteristics that are similar to others, but the mix and proportions of those elements make us who we are, and they belong to us alone. If we can hear and know that person who is us, and allow ourselves to freely draw on that essence, we all have art within us waiting to be expressed.

Telling Your Story

The urge to be creative is something most of us have. Some people can't ignore it, and their passion to express it often drives them to great accomplishments. All creativity is in essence some form of expression, be it scientific, artistic, logical or emotional. And at the root of expression is communication.

We have many means to communicate through all five senses: sight, smell, taste, hearing and touch. Innumerable fields of creativity have developed around each one: dance, music, speech, theater, movies, books, history, art, science, cuisine, design, scents, fashion....

Speech is something our ancestors have used since before record keeping began, probably even for around a million years. There are known to be rock paintings as early as 40,000 years ago. Symbols were used to communicate until gradually writing, more as we know it today, began to develop relatively recently from around 4000 BC.

Writing allows us to communicate both to ourselves and with others. Through it we can speak to people in distant places and even times. The written word connects us with the thoughts of others. My grandfather recorded part of his life history on audio tape. I'm transcribing the tapes, and listening to his voice brings his physical person back to me as though I can see him sitting talking to me, telling me stories, as he used to when I was a teenager. I knew him well and loved him dearly. Listening now to his tapes and his story are enabling me to know him better. I'm grateful to have this opportunity.

Everyone has a story, be it short or long, to tell. Did you ever ask someone you know if you could record them telling their story? Or have you ever been drawn to tell a story, any story, yourself, or to express some idea? Picking up a pen or a microphone could get you started on an adventure.