I don't really know how to introduce this

[Shaka]

Come on, don't pretend you don't see the distinction. Just because someone knows where to put the commas doesn't mean they're a writer.

Oh geez, what qualifies you to be the arbiter of what is and isn't art?

[Non Sequitur]

Oh geez, what qualifies you to be the arbiter of what is and isn't art?

I'm not an arbiter, but I have opinions. I also have opinions on books and movies...opinions that tell me Twilight, although extremely popular, is not art.

[tooblue]

Before we decide -- definitively -- what art is, let's decide what it isn't...that's a much easier task.

First things first as we descend quickly: are you drinking or, have you had drinks? If so, give me the keys, I'm driving.

Second, imagine I have never tasted salt. Can you describe to me the taste of salt without describing what it is not? It's not easier because it does not address the question at hand that asks: what is art. It only describes what it is not, according to you, or me!

[tooblue]

I'm not an arbiter, but I have opinions. I also have opinions on books and movies...opinions that tell me Twilight, although extremely popular, is not art.

I would say it is not great art according to my aesthetic sensibilities and therefore I choose not to pay to see the film or, for that matter to read the book.

[Jeff Lebowski]

Oh geez, what qualifies you to be the arbiter of what is and isn't art?

Go get him, Shaka. Tell him about your friends with deep thoughts.

[tooblue]

Is propaganda art? If it fits into your definition then this is art.

All art is propaganda. There is no such thing as objectivity.

[Shaka]

I'm not an arbiter, but I have opinions. I also have opinions on books and movies...opinions that tell me Twilight, although extremely popular, is not art.

Sweet, I'm down with opinions. Let's not be passing them off as fact.

Art is very subjective. The beauty lies in the eye of the beholder.

[Non Sequitur]

First things first as we descend quickly: are you drinking or, have you had drinks? If so, give me the keys, I'm driving.

Second, imagine I have never tasted salt. Can you describe to me the taste of salt without describing what it is not? It's not easier because it does not address the question at hand that asks: what is art. It only describes what it is not, according to you, or me!

You know art. It's your profession. Why are you fencing, pretending not to understand the distinction between art and kitsch?

[Non Sequitur]

I would say it is not great art according to my aesthetic sensibilities and therefore I choose not to pay to see the film or, for that matter to read the book.

I accept your apology.

[tooblue]

You know art. It's your profession. Why are you fencing, pretending not to understand the distinction between art and kitsch?

Beethoven's 5th is one of the most popular pieces of music ever written and performed. So, in a sense it too could be considered kitsch ... Just because something appeals to popular taste does not mean it's not art.

[Non Sequitur]

Sweet, I'm down with opinions. Let's not be passing them off as fact.

Art is very subjective. The beauty lies in the eye of the beholder.

I suppose it is. My brother liked Glen Campbell and Barry Manilow. I preferred Led Zeppelin. There are singers, and there are artists. Just my opinion.

[tooblue]

I accept your apology.

Let the record state: Non Sequitur agrees with me (tooblue) that Twilight is art!

[Non Sequitur]

Beethoven's 5th is one of the most popular pieces of music ever written and performed. So, in a sense it too could be considered kitsch. Just because something appeals to popular taste does not mean it's not art.

My kids took art classes in elementary school. I suppose what got pinned on the walls was art, if you want to label it. When I said that what Kincade and McNaughton produced was not art, I meant it was not great art. Perhaps I should have been more specific, but I thought the implication was clear.

[tooblue]

My kids took art classes in elementary school. I suppose what got pinned on the walls was art, if you want to label it. When I said that what Kincade and McNaughton produced was not art, I meant it was not great art. Perhaps I should have been more specific, but I thought the implication was clear.

Unfortunately, the implication is not clear as highlighted by the fact that Kincade sold gazillions of prints of his paintings and McNaughton sold his infamous frowny faced Obama burning the Constitution to one Shawn Hannity for bucket loads of cash.

[Shaka]

I suppose it is. My brother liked Glen Campbell and Barry Manilow. I preferred Led Zeppelin. There are singers, and there are artists. Just my opinion.

I'm glad you grasp the distinction between those who create rather than those who simply give voice to the creator. While I prefer Led Zep I can recognize that Manilow is a very good songwriter which makes him an artist. Glen Campbell isn't known for being a songwriter so you're correct on that count. Jimmy Webb wrote most of his hits. Jimmy Webb on the other hand is indeed an artist. Don't sell Campbell too short though because he did write and was a first call studio session in LA back in the sixties.