From: http://www.goines.net/Writing/what_is_artist.html
What is Art?
Is it a dumb Ocean Rock with Sharpie Drawing on it? or………….
“Obviously, an artist is someone who creates art, just a baker is someone who makes bread, and a plumber is someone who installs and repairs plumbing. These are simply trades and professions; that is, means by which different people make their livings.
Unlike plumbing or baking however, the difficulty lies in defining “art.” Art is pretty much whatever anybody says it is, and an artist is similarly anybody who says he is one. This leaves any definition of “artist” and “art” so vague as to be meaningless. Does the act of creation, be it ever so humble or idiosyncratic, suffice to allow one to lift the laurel of “artist” to his brow? Anybody can call himself anything, but the test is whether or not you actually are qualified. A plumber would not dare to call himself a plumber unless he were qualified in the opinion of others to do plumbing, and had experience and credentials to prove it, and actually got paid good money for his work. The same is true of an automobile mechanic, elementary school teacher or newspaper reporter. You can’t just call yourself a college professor or medical doctor and expect anyone to take you seriously. You need to have something to back it up. The term “artist,” unlike “electrician,” or “dog trainer,” neither conveys qualification, nor is it specific enough to shed much light on what a person may actually do.
There are classes of activities that often fall under the term “art,” such as the lively arts, the performing arts, and the like; thus a dancer could reasonably be called an artist within the context of dance. But if you were to ask a dancer what she does, and she were to reply, “I am an artist,” you would not be much the wiser concerning her activities. It would be far more illuminating for her to say, “I am a classical ballerina,” or “I am a choreographer.”
A person may be exceptionally good at something, so much so that he may be called “a culinary artist,” or “a musical artist,” or “a con artist.” This implies that he transcends the ordinary, and does something creative in his trade, so much so that by the standards of cooks, or con men, he is an “artist.” But it would be misleading for that person to say, “I am an artist,” when asked what he does for a living. Far better to say “I am a cook,” and …….
leave it to others to call you an artist.”
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http://www.goines.net/Writing/what_is_artist.html
Good Morning Gloucester 
I believe that anyone who has found a Paul Frontiero ocean rock has found art at its best…it would be a discovery of the most exciting kind, unexpected and pleasurable, which, at every glance, would forever hold memory for a special place and time! It’s what I want art to do!
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What she said! thanks Ann & Paul!
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Fasinating essay! I did not know the author’s name until I got to the end of the the piece – which greatly surprised me….. I have always considered David Lance Goines – not only a fine artist, but also an inspiration in style, color and elegant design.
We are all artists – each in our own way. The proof, as they say, is “all in the eye of the beholder”.
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Good question, Paul. It’s one I’ve often thought about and am still debating in my own mind. I draw and paint because I love to express my likes and desires through my painting and also to record realtime history through my paintings of sailing ships and fishing vessels. Some call me an artist and, I’m sure others do not but, I really don’t care. I’m retired and paint because I like to though it’s a great feeling to sell an original painting or even a fine art copy.
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Loved the discussion. As to the first part, What is Art? Here is an answer that has taken me 60 years to figure out and have never published until this fine blog. Here it is-
“Art is a creative expression of the truth or a believable lie. ”
Feel free to comment or critique this. Apply all the tests you like. Your ideas welcome.
Jim Masciarelli
Way road Gloucester
and
Naples Fla.
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“I make pictures and someone else comes in and calls it art” Willem de Kooning
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Art is many things, expressed in many ways. Who is to say what is good or bad? It’s the creative process which drives many of us. For some it’s a livelihood, for others, a passionate hobby. Be it painting, photography, making pottery or designing jewelry, everyone has something to offer. Whether it “speaks to us” or not, is irrelevant. Perhaps it’s the journey and not the end product which makes it so rewarding. As they say, “Beauty is in the eye of the beholder.” It could be a simple drawing by a four year old made with love. I’m less concerned with “defining art” than enjoying it.
By the way, Paul, I think your rocks, “rock,” and would love to find one before I croak.
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Completely agree with what Ann and others said…would love to find one of your Art Rocks, but for now am thrilled with my original Paul F. Frontiero, Jr. framed drawing of The Paint Factory and Ten Pound Island, a piece I bought at Khan Studio this past summer and one that I treasure.
Jenn
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