I find it to be an expression of emotion, whether that's good, bad, or neutral. The exact form and figure is extremely fluid from visual arts be they digital, traditional, sculptural, etc (i weld myself, figurines, flowers etc), or music, or literature, or even dance.

But really to me art is as I said, an expression of emotion and passion. Could be purely luxury, or it could have function (think hot rod cars). That's what I consider to be art myself.

Taking that into consideration, what's your opinion on commission work? Do you ever worry that the market and/or social media has an influence on an artists ability to express oneself honestly?

I think not. Commission work is mixing both the commissioner's, and the commissioned's emotions. The commissioner says what they want expressed, and the true artists can bring that to life with their own. It may not be expressly the artist's emotion portrayed, but the artist is definitively the one that brings the commissioner's emotion to life and actuality.

I think to an extent it does. I agree wholeheartedly with the statement above they just placed it into words better than I could. I disagree on their point that media/social aspects do not have an influence though. Truthfully most if not all artist post what they believe will sell if they rely on art as a business, what they think others will like to look at to gain more of a following/draw attention to their art or do it as a pleasing effect to peers, parents, lover etc.. it is not to stay that artist don’t make or do pieces that are truly themselves or for themselves but a lot of the time it’s not the case.

I believe you put somethings that's been bugging me a long time into words and I appreciate that. I think that the way social media effects art bothers me greatly.(and the need to advertise your work) And I would like to move on to a point where I personally have more control over what I make. I realized I have no will or need to be a huge influencer (FA is the only social media Ive had for years). The only thing stopping me from making what I want at this point is my financial status. I feel like I HAVE to play that game until I can support myself financially by other means.

I think its completely acceptable for an artist to try and and help another person show their vision through commission work but there's a very careful balance that needs to be struck. And I'm starting to look a popular work/artists vs my work with a different lens.

Of course my thoughts are still up in the air. I appreciate you all taking the time to give a response.

Ahh I see and that is the tricky part about it and the vice media has on artist as a whole. Much like yourself I have no desire to go far with art when it comes to popularity persay as well as, depending on who you are looking at the same stagnant type of art gets made over frequently with them as that’s what pats and people desire. I have a full time job otherwise so I’m not quite in the same boat so I truly hope one day not just for yourself but more artist could be able to do what they feel their art should be and strive to make it regardless of us social aspect.

There is that fine line, and I’m glad your seeing things a bit differently now. almost all the work I commission from others I give artist freedom for more of a chance of that artist “pure work” to put it into words, to bleed through into the piece.

Thank you for making this journal this was a breath of fresh air of a topic to talk about

asking the hard questions. well, here is my overly broad definition: "A creative work generally made for entertainment purposes."

It's a broad answer but it does bring up a good point, I personally don't want to just make art for the sake of entertainment but I could understand that being another artists perspective.

As I said, a broad (and rather clinical) definition, but the way I see it everything manmade can be loosely fit into two categories: tool or art. There is overlap, and a lot of it is dependent on the viewer and creator.

True!

That is a good point, art can be a gateway to both self expression and communication. Being able to show a version of yourself that can not exist in the real world can be a powerful and freeing tool. World building and story telling/writing have these things in common as well.

When I originally posed this question I expected a few certain responses, this was not one of them tbh. I'll admit I had completely forgot how much I had used art for escapism when I was younger. It was very freeing back then, hopefully I can get back to that place.

I'm sorry but to put it simply I'm not quite sure how to respond to this answer. I feel like it just closes down the conversation.... But if you, or anyone reading this, would like to elaborate be my guest.

Infinite diversity in infinite combinations.

I believe Artificer was kind of trying to say that it is such an expansive, and ever-expanding subject that to narrow it down and define it would be reductive to the point of detriment.

Nevertheless, I would take a swing at it, heh.

Art is pure expression, the lilting song woven by the mind, heart, and the very soul, made manifest into a selected medium; uniquely touched by the whole being of the artist. Inspiration, darkness, despair, joy, love, passion, melancholy... the subtle shades of mood blending into every stroke, line, note or syllable, woven together to encapsulate the richest spark of creation within the form its tapestry takes.

Like in my own experience, every commission I get, I bear witness to what another's sheer talent and creative zest may wrought... a blessed combination of my own creative mind, and their interpretation; making a piece that is forever a connection, crafted from a gentle dance of two souls, no matter how fleeting... my own desire given form, and often refined in ways I could have never foreseen... and that new uniqueness expands my view...

It is forever inspiring to me to see a work you can feel the love and joy that was put into...