What is Art? Exploring Visionary Environments

When I need a creative jolt, I head to Baltimore’s American Visionary Art Museum. This wacky, madcap, eclectic museum may seem a bit frivolous when you approach its mirrored facade, but its collections speak to my soul at a depth that classic art rarely reaches. During my recent visit, I found myself wondering, as I have on previous visits: What is art? And this time, I felt a satisfying answer.

If You Build It, They Will Come

AVAM currently has an exhibit titled If You Build It, They Will Come (on display until September 1, 2024). It features visionary artists and the dream environments they created, often in their own homes or on public lands.

In general, visionary art isn’t about being classically trained or commercially successful. It’s about self-expression and being driven to create art from some inner voice. Visionary art doesn’t ask, what is art?, it accepts art for what it is.

While art can take many forms, works in this exhibit were often made from unconventional media and repurposed items. Like DeVon Smith’s World’s First Family of Robots, lovingly created from scrapped parts. As an AVAM regular, I was moved to see the robots relocated from their usual home (in the museum’s second building) to a prominent place in a featured exhibit.

World’s 1st Family of Robots – DeVon Smith

Smith’s robot family is in good company. Among other artists in the exhibit, you will find a reimagining of Ruby C. Williams’ produce stand as a setting for her folk art. Williams’ art began as a way to draw shoppers to her Florida vegetable stand. She was encouraged to paint more, adding an art gallery to her stand.

As Williams’ following grew, people came for her vegetables, but even more for her art, stories, and ministry. Her art has now hung in galleries around the world, including the Smithsonian. Though Williams’ did not create art for fame or profit. She painted because she felt the art in her spirit and wanted to share that with others.

Folk art – Ruby C. Williams

I Could Make That

Most, if not all, of the artists in this exhibit (and throughout AVAM) were self-taught. Like DeVon Smith with his family of robots, they simply used the items available to create something that brought them joy or was an outlet for other strong emotions.

With visionary art, the skill required can be deceptive. You might study a piece and think, I could make that.

But take that thought a step further. I could make that. Does the thought come with a dismissive or inspired attitude? Do you think: I could make that, so it isn’t real art? Or I could make that, so I could be an artist!

If you discount art because it looks like something you could make, what does that really mean? Do you think “real art” has to be something that transcends what most people can do? Or could that idea be a sign that you don’t recognize the beauty in things that you personally create? Perhaps because you’re your own harshest critic.

Here’s one more thought: how do you know that you could make that? Have you ever tried to paint, draw, sculpt, or otherwise create art? If not, maybe you aren’t appreciating the difficulty in creating something that may seem simple on the surface. Maybe trying will give you a new appreciation or unlock an unrealized ability.

What is Art?

While I opened this post with a claim of finding an answer to the age-old question, what is art?, I’m not sure I can tell you my answer. As you may recall, I said I felt a satisfying answer. Emphasis on the word felt.

At the risk of being trite, art is subjective. Art that speaks to me may not speak to you, and vice versa. Yet, as I wandered through this exhibit on visionary artists and their environments, I felt a commonality. The paintings, drawings, sculptures, and so on, are art because they speak from a visionary spirit. A compulsion. An urge of self-expression that could not be contained.

When people ask me where I come up with ideas for my books, or why I’m a writer, the truest answer is that the words are inside of me, welling up and spilling out. Writing is like breathing to me. A way to process the world and express my observations in story form. If I were more visual instead of verbal, I’d likely be painting or drawing instead of creating worlds with words.

My definition of art does not minimize the skill and talent of classically trained artists. Instead, it expands the word to include its underlying spirit. The urge to create. The compulsion to turn feelings and experiences into something tangible.

If you love to experience the freedom of visionary art, I highly recommend a visit to the American Visionary Art Museum in Baltimore. Or better yet, seek out artists in your area. Explore local galleries and art fairs. Enjoy the work created by artists selling on street corners or at farmers’ markets. Support lesser known artists and surround yourself with the art that speaks to you, regardless of its creators’ fame.

What is art? Art is an expression of human spirit, and we need more of that in this world.

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