What is High Art?

Looking at Art:

The term “high art” is sometimes interchanged with “fine art”. These terms imply that “low art” also exists. All of these expressions are challenging to pin down. Perhaps the easiest way to distinguish the two concepts is to think of classical music versus popular music. One is intellectual and sophisticated, while the other is meant to be easily accessible and intended to have broad public appeal. High art is uniquely creative, made by an artist who has mastered materials to communicate with emotion. High art is a reflection of the culture in which it was created. Still, these platitudes can ring false, depending upon your taste. Perhaps we can all agree that “paint by numbers” and coloring book art are not high art. Do you have thoughts on this subject?

 Work in the Studio:

Judgements made about what qualifies as art at all, have become complex. Original sculptures and paintings made by an accomplished artist are usually considered high art forms. While working in my studio, I put these ideas aside and concentrate on the work. It is only when I enter competitions and am subject to criticism that they come back to mind. Since I am probably my most fierce critic in the end, I just try to focus on the work at hand..

A Helping Hand, Ceramic Sculpture, 22” x 8” x7”