tylerthrasherart:

A week ago I spent the evening talking to a selected group of students chosen to be in the Philbrook collective about my work. I even shared a little bit of my trade secrets with these clever individuals. I posed the cliche question “how does one define art, and does art have its limitations or boundaries?”. I received a lot well worded and thought out questions, but I wasn’t really prepared for one of the students to ask me that same question. My response was and is completely contradictory to the question “what is art?”.
We can all agree that the definition of art today is about as boundless as the imaginations of today’s creators. We have changed and expanded the definition to make room for newer practices countless times. I entertain the idea where we stop asking that question. I entertain the idea where the term “art” doesn’t really mean anything. I like the idea that we all simply create; whether it be a physical object or an experience. “Art” has become such a individualized term and criteria that it’s barely applicable for serving the purpose of “art” which is to share. Despite all of the differences in mediums, practices, and crafts- all “art” shares something. This ranges from ideas, to emotions, to an experience, to memories, or simply sharing some good looking colors and arrangements. “Art” builds a community even if it’s only between one viewer and the creator. So to me, it seems counterproductive to use a term that everyone holds strong convictions and opinions to. If someone paints a landscape or hangs up a blank canvas, it’s silly to debate over whether or not it’s “art”. It’s an object that serves a purpose. If it looks like s landscape, then it’s a landscape. If it’s a blank canvas, it’s simply a canvas. If someone likes the blank canvas and would like to purchase it, the debate shouldn’t be over whether or not they purchased a piece of artwork, but over whether or not that canvas was too damn expensive. What are your thoughts on this question? #tylerthrasher #ranttime #whatareyourthoughts