What is Art?

This is indeed a very interesting question and one about which many people have thought long and hard.

A quick internet search will propose answers such as the following:

"The products of human creativity"

"The creation of beautiful or significant things"

"Human effort to initiate, supplement, alter or counteract the work of nature"

Almost always, these answers imply or even require the 'effort' to have been designed or created by human influence. Is this always necessary? Can art only be created by human influence? In this section of my web-site I would like to offer a different viewpoint and ask the questions "Can Nature create Art?" and "Is Nature The Original Artist?"

In this modern-day world of high-tec, high-speed living, we are all often guilty of not seeing or of taking for granted the beauty that nature has placed around us. Therefore, in this section I will include various examples of things often overlooked and attempt to proffer the argument that yes, Nature can not only create art, but was indeed the first and most successful artist of all.

A further search within the internet encyclopedia 'Wikipedia' explains:

"Art, in its broadest meaning, is the expression of creativity or imagination, or both."

'Wikipedia' then expands this statement by defining '7 Characterisitcs' of Art. I have reproduced these '7 Characteristics' below, but in conjunction with my own ongoing photographic study of "Nature, the original Artist"

(Click on a picture for a clear enlargement. Best viewed at 1280x1024 resolution).

Nature: The Original Artist?

"Any human creation which contains an idea other than its utilitarian purpose"

The apple orchards of Süd Tirol

During the clear and cold early Spring nights, the apple blossom needs to be protected from frost. This is achieved by spraying the orchards with water, as the ice insulates the blossom from frost damage.

"Connotes a sense of ability"

The wonderful, majestic and yet delicate structure of The Rose.

When Nature produces something as complex as this, then its sense of ability knows no boundaries.

"Requires creative perception both by the artist and by the audience"

Right:        Phyteuma Orbiculare (Teufelskralle)

Below: Giant Tropical Orchid & Passion Flowers

"I rest my case!"

"Communicates on many levels and is open to many interpretations"

This humble Dandelion personifies Nature's creativity as it grows through a Pink Yarrow

"Elusive"

Gentiana Acaulis (Trumpet Gentian - Enzian)

The beautiful, rare and highly protected Gentian, only growing in Alpine regions above 2000 metres is surely an example of the elusive art of Nature. Such a marvellous structure in a harsh environment.

"Interplay between the conscious and unconscious part of our being, between what is real and what is an illusion"

"That which is created

with intention

to be experienced

as art"

Nature IS The Original Artist!