What makes art art?

It occurs to me that what makes art art is a bit of a mystery. Is it the use of a novel material, or technique? The kudos of peers, or the reaction of a critic?

If great art stands the test of time, what about performance art? And how long do you have to wait to declare something art?

Andy Warhol's Tomato Soup Cans challenged 1960s conventional thinking.

Recently, I've seen art made of recycled materials, and everyday objects. I've seen art made of paper and glue, so fragile it seems no more lasting than a kindergarten project. Art that wants to wobble if someone so much as sneezes in the next room.

Does it have to be impractical, or shocking, to be called art? If something is practical, does that automatically mean it cannot be art? Does the best art require maintenance, even coddling? Does it qualify as art if it's comforting, like an old shirt, like mashed potatoes?

Who decides what is art, and what is not?

I'd always thought that art had to teeter between an expensive fragility, like crystal, and a rugged sturdiness, like metal. Paintings seemed to be a midpoint, and for me, the yardstick.

Now, I think that it's art, if it makes you feel something. It's art if it speaks to you slant.

This is, of course, the poet's way, to say it slant.

My name is Rae Hallstrom, and Ameriku is my art and my business and my brand.

Ameriku Ltd produces nature-oriented art prints, posters, greeting cards and other items, based on my original haiku and photography.

Ameriku® is the registered trademark of Ameriku Ltd. When you see the Ameriku trademark, you can be sure the work meets my high standards of quality.