Art versus Tables....or something like that.

There was a discussion today in my intro to sculpture class, about sculpture as an art-form, and how more and more it is becoming that fine art furniture is "taking over the scene" so to speak. We spoke of the line between furniture that is merely nice, and as Andy stated "Oh, you added some triangular shaped legs to make it pleasing, but it is still just a table" and artwork made with a function, like a hand that can double as a chair, like the two in my house-(which I didn't make, they are from Indonesia)

The chairs aren't super functional. You wouldn't want to lean back in them, they have no base support and would topple over, and you certainly wouldn't want to bring drunken college friends around. But, again to the main point, Andy stated that "You have a grand, would you buy a sculpture or a new couch?" He personally would by the couch, seeing as he has many pieces of art already, and since he is skilled and has skilled colleagues, can gain more as he pleases. Art trades rock! Though someone in my situation, honestly would want both, but I am happy with putting MY grand into savings or bills or what have you. Anyway, back to my main point. Where is the line drawn exactly? I wanted to enter in deeper into this conversation, ask some questions and build on previous ideas, however even though I am usually a talkative and assertive person, I couldn't get a word in edge wise to some of the women in my classroom, so here I am writing another novel of a story, to get my word out there.

My view is similar to my teachers, this here, (a link to IKEA) is a modernized piece of furniture. It is made for a function, specifically, but was designed in an aesthetically pleasing way, to mock "art" - [IKEA TABLE]  Its got repeating shapes, a sleek color, smooth outer edges, but its just a side table with a removable tray. This next link, is a link to my favorite artists webpage (Mr. H.R. Giger). He stated in one of his books I read last term when doing a paper on he and I as artists, that "Peoples houses are just too small anymore. No one has the space or money for sculpture, so many have turned to functional art. Everyone should have art in their house" or something to that respect. This is one of H.R. Giger's "Tables"[GIGER TABLE]

Now, unlike the previous Ikea table, you removed the class topper to Gigers table, and voila! There is a sculpture. It wouldn't just be three or four odd shaped legs that would fall over, meaningless, its a metal cast alien, super cool! This is where I see a difference. Giger's table is artwork, Ikea's table is a modernized table. Unfortunately, not many people have an eye for art anymore, and anything that is simply pleasing to the eye becomes "art" or, people find certain things like splatters on a canvas art. That's not art, that's a sell out. 

I remember getting into an argument once with an Ex-boyfriend that argued how well he played his video-games, was an art form, just like my sculpture. Those are not the same. Yes, both could be considered a skill, but ANYONE who practices video games can play them well and beat them. Every single person who plays the game will win eventually, have all of the secret awesome items and weapons, etc. Not everyone can draw well, even if they practice.

Like my old teacher James told me when I first started playing with clay, "Sam, it's nice of you to tell people that with practice they will be good artists, but do not tell them they will reach your level. You still have a lot to learn, but you have talent and a creative mind, You'll go very far if you keep practicing. Most people aren't that creative. They don't have an eye for interesting shapes or figures, color combinations, etc." I have seen this to be true. I have ALOT to learn, I need ALOT of practice, especially with how long I've gone without trying to make any art. But at least I know what art is. And, honestly, those who sculpt are the best of the best. Their pieces are slaves to the area, lighting, etc. around them. They can't throw a frame around it and call it segregated. The base, the wall behind it or the scenery all play a part of how "good" it is. And, working with your hands, using traditional methods, turning mud into rock, mixing old world and industrial, that is NOT easy.

So, I urge anyone reading this to take my words into deep consideration. What do YOU think is art, and why? What makes art "good"?