Re: [Leica] What is fine art photography?

[George Lottermoser <imagist@concentric.net>]

nick.botton@camphill.org.uk (Nick Poole)12/13/0011:09 PM

> I did say I knew of no workable definition for what constitutes
art! 

art1 (ärt) n.
1. Human effort to imitate, supplement, alter, or counteract the
work of nature.
2.a. The conscious production or arrangement of sounds, colors,
forms, movements, or other elements in a manner that affects the
sense of beauty, specifically the production of the beautiful in
a graphic or plastic medium. b. The study of these activities. c.
The product of these activities; human works of beauty considered
as a group.
3. High quality of conception or execution, as found in works of
beauty; aesthetic value.
4. A field or category of art, such as music, ballet, or
literature.
5. A nonscientific branch of learning; one of the liberal arts.
6.a. A system of principles and methods employed in the
performance of a set of activities: the art of building. b. A
trade or craft that applies such a system of principles and
methods: the art of the lexicographer.
7.a. Skill that is attained by study, practice, or observation:
the art of the baker; the blacksmith's art. b. Skill arising from
the exercise of intuitive faculties: ³Self-criticism is an art
not many are qualified to practice² (Joyce Carol Oates).
8.a. arts. Artful devices, stratagems, and tricks. b. Artful
contrivance; cunning.
9. Printing. Illustrative material.
[Middle English, from Old French, from Latin ars, art-. See ar-
below.]

SYNONYMS: art, craft, expertise, knack, know-how, technique. The
central meaning shared by these nouns is ³skill in doing or
performing that is attained by study, practice, or observation²:
the art of expressing oneself clearly; pottery that reveals craft
and fine workmanship; political expertise; a knack for teaching;
the know-how to sew one's own clothes; an outstanding keyboard
technique.

art0work (ärt2wûrk1) n.
1. Work in the graphic or plastic arts, especially small handmade
decorative or artistic objects.
2. An illustrative and decorative element, such as a line drawing
or a photograph, used in a printed work, such as a book.

work of art n., pl. works of art.
1. A product of the fine arts, especially a painting or
sculpture.
2. Something likened to a fine artistic work, as by reason of
beauty or craft.

art0ist (är2t¾st) n. Abbr. art.
1. One, such as a painter or sculptor, who is able by virtue of
imagination and talent to create works of aesthetic value,
especially in the fine arts.
2. A person whose work shows exceptional creative ability or
skill: You are an artist in the kitchen.
3. One, such as an actor or a singer, especially one who works in
the performing arts.
4. One who is adept at an activity, especially one involving
trickery or deceit: a con artist.

George