Day 1

I'm going to try a little experiment via e-mail. I want to see how much this e-mail takes on a life of its own by getting disseminated as far and wide as is humanly possible in a one month period.

The question I'm throwing out there:

What do you think Art is?

For Art Historians, this question is as fundamental as "What is love?" is to poets, and "What is the meaning of life?" is to philosophers. I'm asking in the interest of gathering word from "the masses." This question has been answered and re-answered by so many. It has been debated by critics and historians alike and I can't help but notice that a favorite go-to is the argument that Art is defined by the people. But who are the people? And what are they saying? Don't just throw "us" a bone, investigate. Without a publication to speak for us, or a podium at our disposal, the idea that Art is defined by the people is just a theory. An abstract pacifier to feign a bridge that has yet to be built between academics and the general population. But if Art is for the people and defined by the people, then I want to lend them (you/us?) my ear.

Here it is. Here's your soap box. Write down your thoughts, share your views. Be as brief or long-winded as you see fit. I just want to know. This endeavor is a humbly personal one, having struggled with the question, myself, for so long. I'm not interested in any kind of full disclosure. An email name and general location (ie: kittypaws in Eureka, OR) would be more than enough. I just want to get a sense of the diversity of locations this e-mail is able to reach.

I sent out the e-mail late February 1. (To be sure, it was 1am, so technically it was Feb. 2).

*I've included a number of friends and family.
*I've included three college professors from where I did my undergraduate work, in the hopes that (and with the instructions to) they will announce the little project to their students, thereby opening up a whole 'nother population in one fell swoop.
*I've included two recipients from two foreign countries in order to see if the answers come from farther and wider.
*I've included two major museum addresses, also hoping to tap into that population.
*I've included one radio personality, in the hopes I can abuse the relationship for my benefit.