After reading an excerpt of Leo N. Tolstoy's What is Art? I felt a better comprehension of the difficulty in defining art, or why it is hard to define. I understood why many philosophers wanted to state its basis as beauty or an activity of pleasure. However I do have to agree with Tolstoy that art is so much more than this meaning. It is meant to convey emotion. The best storytellers and poets leave images in our minds and feelings in our hearts, so of course the best artists would convey their mood and expression through their eyes to ours by means of a paint brush or clay instead of words.
When asked what art means to an individual, it is within reason the person would suggest a painting which in some way was pleasing to the eye, like flowers or fruit. Although to others, this is not art. They do not want to look at food and vegetation on canvas because it is not beautiful to them, however a portrayal of victory in battle would be. Many times, beauty is not the goal of the artist making a work of art. The expressed feelings may be to disturb the viewer, provoking thought or action when seeing something grim. Some people may find a kind beauty in this, while others may not. Those who do not would be apt to disregard the piece as art, even though it had moved them in some way. Also, many people would not consider making art a pleasing activity as some may because they would rather relax by writing or going for a walk. Therefore, art must mean something more than a pretty picture.
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