To Art Is Human

 

All The Art That’s Fit To Print 

Upon studying Etymologyonline.com the question is always how much to quote. I have been reading their entries on the word art, and all related words just now. There is a lot, and it is enlightening.

art (n.)
early 13c., "skill as a result of learning or practice," from Old French art (10c.), from Latin artem (nominative ars) "work of art; practical skill; a business, craft," from PIE *ar(ə)-ti- (source also of Sanskrit rtih "manner, mode;" Greek artizein "to prepare"), suffixed form of root *ar- "to fit together." Etymologically akin to Latin arma "weapons" (see arm (n.2)).

I suppose one could say that to make art is human. Art is artificial, does not just happen. Art is accomplished by an artisan or an artist.

If we dig up some old bones and wonder if these hominids were human, we look for art. Beads, anything…weapons, clothing…musical instruments and so on.

Now, at this end of history we have art that is not created by the hand of man. It is artificial, but not done by an artist. It has a superficial appearance of art.

But we who have seen the works of man know that it is not what it pretends to be. It is monstrous, in the old sense of the word. In brief, it is wrong. It “smells” wrong and looks wrong. LoneStar has coined f’art and that is apt. Also, funny.

In a larger sense it could be called forgery. I believe that it is meant to deceive. Later, younger people will probably just accept it as an art form.

monstrous (adj.)
mid-15c., "of unnatural formation, deviating from the natural order, hideous," a variant of earlier monstruous (late 14c.), from Old French monstruos, monstrueuse and directly from Late Latin monstruosus "strange, unnatural, monstrous," from Latin monstrum "divine omen, portent, sign; abnormal shape; monster, monstrosity," figuratively "repulsive character, object of dread, awful deed, abomination," from root of monere "to admonish, warn, advise," from PIE *moneie- "to make think of, remind," suffixed (causative) form of root *men- (1) "to think."

Naïve or Outsider art still fits neatly into the definition of art. The matter of taste or school is a separate subject. Even really dreadful works must be considered to fit the definition.

I myself do confess that I have pushed boundaries and searched for the essential in imagery. Not all of it works. But all of it teaches the maker.

But just as in writing or anything else, you don’t learn anything until you put your hand to it and go to work. 

My kid with one of her major influences. Just for fun.