art vs design.....ill get the wine and brie

From Dictionary.com:

ART - the quality, production, expression, or realm, according to aesthetic principles, of what is beautiful, appealing, or of more than ordinary significance.

DESIGN - to prepare the preliminary sketch or the plans for a work to be executed, esp. to plan the form and structure of.


Throughout my art academic career, I've always viewed the assignment of defining art or design both extremely redundant, yet incredibly interesting. One of my favorite things to do is to ask my parents to define what art is, now there is a show worth watching.

I suppose it is necessary to have some semblance of a line between what art is as opposed to design in order to have it fit within the rest of acadamia and professionalism. The common belief, in my opinon, is that the artist is free to use whatever materials to express whatever emotions about whichever content they wish, whereas, the designer must do these things under the pretense of restrictions placed upon them by employers or clients to accomplish more practical goals.

The reality of it, I feel, is that to make art and to design just means "to produce". Whether a doctor discovers a cure for cancer, or I make a kickass cup of coffee, its really all subject to being called "art" or "design" or "innovation" or "discovery". (yea, my coffee is that good).

But design isnt always a good thing, as it is so glorified most of the time. What about the H-bomb, or Hummers, or the new KFC thing where they mix mashed potatoes and corn and whatever else....ew.

As Peter Parker says: "With great power comes great responsibility". and now you know.