When we're looking for reasons why human beings are superior to other creatures in the animal world, we often point to our opposable thumbs, our critical thinking skills, or our tightly knit communities. But these are all practical aspects of being human. What really sets us apart in a more esoteric sense is that we can all create and appreciate art. We may not always agree on what constitutes art, but that doesn't stop us from drawing, painting, building, and otherwise creating the dreamy images that we see in our heads. If you'd like to learn more about art, you'll want to add this site to your bookmarks.

What is art? In the multi-thousand year reign of human history, there has never been a definitive answer to this question. Oh sure, you'll find plenty of definitions in dictionaries and art textbooks, but art is such a personal and subjective thing that it is almost impossible to find a piece that everyone in the world will agree counts as art. Debate rages over many contemporary and modern pieces, and whether or not you come down for or against will largely be determined by whether or not you are touched by the piece.

Many people throughout the world collect art, but their criteria are not always the same. Some people rely on art critics and appraisers to determine the value of a gallery piece and whether or not they should want to own it while others are scouring flea markets and community sidewalk art shows looking for that elusive connection between them and a piece of art. Luckily, whatever it is you're looking for, there are so many artists working the world over that there's bound to be something out there for you.

Art comes in many different forms and mediums. Most people can recognize a canvas painting, a paper line drawing, or a plaster sculpture as art, but what about stained glass widows? Ceramic vases? Handmade candles? Decorated cakes? Building facades? Wedding dresses? Woven rugs? Songs? Movies? Comic books? Believe it or not these media, and many others besides, can also be art if they were created with the intention of affecting others. Therefore if you're starting an art collection, you need not be limited to paintings and sculptures.

Prevailing opinion is that only artists can create art, but if drawing, sculpting, weaving, or playing the piano appeals to you as a hobby, who's to say that you cannot pursue it? Only a very small percentage of artists are born knowing how to work in their chosen medium. The rest of us discover ourselves through being taught or through trial and error. Art can be extremely therapeutic, so if you have the inclination to pick up a pencil and draw, do! You can get some tips on where to learn about art and the benefits of being a hobby artist in our store of articles.