What is art?

Recently, I have truly been inspired to reconsider what is art, and the meaning behind art?
Is it performing arts, visual arts, creativity, (graphic) design, animation, architecture, music, dance, or a combination of all these?
And what is it that motivates or initiates these art forms? Are the founders, creators, artists trying to express themselves, hide, communicate other people's emotions or messages, or is it something far more simple or even deeper than this?

In the last few weeks, I've gotten to know someone who is into everything that art offers, and is so passionate about sharing his art, the concept of lineasim, that I am now too questioning my perceptions.

Yesterday I paid a visit to a wildlife photography exhibition and was amazed with the talent displayed - not only through the visions presented, but also the descriptions which accompanied / explained the corresponding photographs.

Today, I went to a Sydney Theatre Company production and was blown away by the performing talents of the actors and their art form.

(On occasion, I also love to attend live music events and see those artists at work...)

My friend accompanied me on both accounts and his interpretations and insights were intriguing. Some were similar to mine and some were overwhelmingly inspiring, particularly as they were making me think in ways I never knew existed... for the first time (in a long while, or even at all), I was considering dimensions he was explaining to me. I am very proud of the fact that I am slowly learning to appreciates these realms too.

Lineaism for example, his new concept, is a combination / integration of various concepts - a style of drawing based on works by Schiele and Rodin, a style of painting with linear strokes inspired by Van Gogh, and a linear timeline of various events, which connect people, projects and communities.

He conceived this new terminology and style of art on his own. I admire that... so too his drawing talents, expressive verbal communication style, and total dedication and passion to seeing this 'lineaist' vision become a reality, through his own activities as well as interactions with others. I truly believe... and thus my minimal publicity is solely here. Maybe one day it will channel elsewhere too...

I love animation. I have come from a background of visual art appreciation. I feel art is a very important communication portal no matter the incentive, objective or outcome.

I thank this person and the other experiences I have shared in my lifetime to having an even greater appreciation for all that 'art' is and can be...