In the world of the arts the word ‘art’ is used in different ways. Only a century ago it was used to mean anything crafted by hand. Today the definition is less clear. Of course the word is still used to identify an art object as such, but it can also be used as a label -- a measure of competence, skill and expertise on the part of the artist; a term intended to elevate the status of an image to the artistic. The artist’s job ends when the photograph is made and offered to the observer. The observer then uses his or her understanding of the subject matter or process to form a personal evaluation. To declare a photograph a work of art would suggest that the person evaluating the work is capable of objectively analyzing it, and probably has a set of personal criteria he or she uses as a measure, and can apply judgments based on familiarity with the subject matter and/or processes used to make the image. This does not suggest that one must have full understanding in order to label a photograph ‘art.’ Often art is identified through emotion and feeling rather than as a work measured against a set of rules. Through deeper understanding, however, a heightened appreciation for the piece can be experienced and this can result in an artful experience that might raise the status of the piece to the level of art. As educated art critics can raise a work to superstar status or rip it to shreds, our families, friends, and non-photographer acquaintances also offer their evaluations. And their lack of photographic training and art education does not diminish the weight of their judgments. There are many things that can move us inside or touch us personally and it would be impossible to have a generally accepted convention against which a photograph is measured and labeled a work of art. Using this logic it makes sense that there is no person who is unable to deem a work a piece of art. It’s true that some art critics have studied art for many years and are qualified to identify and critique art but because this is true does not mean those with lesser understanding or education are unqualified. Photography struggled for only a short time for recognition as a legitimate art and today the arguments fly about whether it is a fine art. It should be remembered that a language is a living thing and that the meanings and definitions of descriptive words such as ‘art’ and ‘beautiful’ can and do change over time. What some consider a masterful work of art may in 50 years, reputations aside, be deemed kitsch. * * * excerpt from Natural Design: Image Design for Nature Photographers Text and images copyright Gloria Hopkins
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