Ruminations of a Plebian (Post 3)

What is Art?

What defines aesthetic appeal? I have always wondered whether material beauty can be absolute or universal. Another question that is eerily plaguing: can beauty be replicated, and if so, is it true beauty; and therefore, a true form of artistry?

Replication is of the utmost significance; it provides the opportunity for shared conceptual ideas to be utilized in economic exchanges and thus implemented into the physical world. But where does replication start to supersede and purportedly debase artistry? Is the cover band not involved in an act of performing arts? Is the band that is heavily influenced by two former artists, who synthesizes their idol’s tendencies, and creates a musical presentation that is slightly familiar, not an act of artistry? Or is the completely unique band, the only example of the pure artistry within the musical realm? I have two comments about the previous foundational and modern philosophical question: first of all, no sentient being is uninfluenced by the empirical; and secondly, art is created in many forms outside of the conventional, nominally recognized art industries. The former axiom–the denial of natural impressionability–seems to be dismissed by the “modern” artist who is often blinded by his/her false claim of originality. This mind set is predicated by insecurity veiled as egoism. In all fairness, this mentality is usually shared by younger artists who at a certain age realize the influence of the outside world; hence, they acknowledge the many artists, non artists, as well as the natural world which unintentionally provide material for them to form into hybrid and abstract creations. Henry Kissinger once eloquently proclaimed, “Art is man’s expression in his labor.”This quote supports the argument that art comes in many forms: that it is personal, not categorically understood on aesthetic terms, and stems from one’s passion and pride.  

How could a trade worker be recognized as an artist? A skilled artisan has a specialized skill set; they exude passion and expertise to his/her carefully crafted creations. The reason a modern trade worker–or more broadly speaking, an artisan–does not receive acknowledgment of their artistry is because they manufacture utilities and not hybrids and abstractions. Hybrids and abstractions are the creations of the filmmaker, musician, and painter–the “modern” artist. But what is lost in the conversation is that the modern trade worker often incorporates aesthetics additional to the utilitarian purpose of his building.

Furthermore, the construction of the physical infrastructure, i.e., roads, bridges, or buildings, is mostly taken for granted by the modern technologically advanced individual. The trade worker–be it an electrician, plumber, or carpenter–provides necessary utilities that are the bedrock for a modern and functioning society. The practical application of the trade workers occupational output is unequivocal; the aesthetic appeal of the trade workers societal offerings are often disputed, or just plain ignored. Architectural and design elements in building have long been recognized as providing the aesthetics to physical and material constructions. The architect trumps the builder when considering the artistry involved in comparing each vocation. But without the trade worker, i.e., builder, whose occupation entails replication, interpretation, and practical application of what an architect drafts, there would be no utility or physical aesthetic. Thus, the architect conceives, the trade worker both conceives and implements.  

Kelly Walker, Decorative Painter and documentary interview subject of the film, The Tradesmen: Making an Art of Work, summarizes art as “anything done without haste”. That is a description that coincides with the pride in ones work philosophy–a philosophy that is pervasive in modern society, but is sadly ignored for its artistic underpinning.  When an individual immerses him or herself into the moment and focuses on achieving the highest possible value of the action or work being performed, this is, at its core, true art. We are teleological creatures with the fortunate ability to create purpose and meaning in our work, hobbies, and relationships. As long as there is pride and genuine enjoyment in the processes of one’s actions, that individual is involved in an act of artistry. 

By: Richard Yeagley