The correlation is certainly a tough one.

I feel there is a true artist in everyone, and that we are all artists by nature. The power of certain softwares such as photoshop? Hey, instant artist. No! I'm not saying that is not true art. In fact, wether you create something fancy in photoshop, or some neat little ashtray made outa clay, I believe to be true art. Now, how much I like that ashtray or photoshop creation is a whole different thing, and just my own opinion.

But is it true art? Maybe art, but *true* art? Where did this *true* art expression come from? I Don't know. But, I feel true art comes from the soul (wether I like it or not). Anyone can create something and rightfully call it art, but did they just throw it together or did it really come from inside (the soul). Well that's really hard to tell though, because someone can work day and night, putting all their heart and soul into something, then get told it's junk! Ouch! Does that mean they are not a true artist, not in my eyes.

The only thing going on here is that some people are more easily able to express themselves than others, for various reasons. One who expresses themselves easily, has better versatility in pleasing a wider audience. In addition, I believe that someone who indicates that they only have *artistic abilities*, is only limiting themselves with a label, on their own, or by others. As for *true* art, I believe a lot of that is diminishing, and it has to do with the greater expectations that society has emerged with.

As well, there are certain societies with their own definitions of true art. I believe this to be a contradiction of art. One's own, or an artist's own impression of true art, may not be his or her impression of their own, or someone else's work to be true art. I honestly do not feel there is a real definition of *true* art, and there shouldn't be. I believe the definition lies within one's self, for both some artists and some viewers.

There are many, many arts, both traditional and non. Art has many forms. I certainly do not believe that the digital arts are not art, no way. Not just graphics, but programming as well, design, customer relations, cooking, writing, woodwork, they are definitely all arts. Computer or no computer.

One who is creative in sketch and paint, may not be creative in stone, and visa versa.

The power of software applications is they enable some who normally are not that creative to become so. By saying not that creative, I mean either not having the patients, confidence, or time to become so. One who does not express themselves easily, will have great difficulty in picking up a pencil or brush, and get discouraged easily. I think traditional arts are more difficult *for some*. But when you think about it, most traditional ways of doing things are! I think the power of graphics software is an excellent tool for certain individuals to tap into their creativeness. In fact after several successful creations, I believe the individual would be more open minded, confident, and patient in tackling more traditional arts, and more.

So who in their right mind could call any creative procedure NOT ART!!? Ha! any one that feels that way, and their the ones I would call not *true artists*, mainly because of their thinking. Ha! because I can do that, it's my opinion.

So the difference between traditional arts and, hmmm, graphic arts is a simple as the power of the graphics application, as opposed to the freedom of the brush! As for the medium? I feel there is absolutely no difference when it comes to defining art, or true art, canvas or computer. Hmmm, a Star Trek hologram, not to far off, but yes, that would be art too!

the last thing I'll add, is that it is a shame, some arts you can reach out and physically touch them, or you can feel them. I hate the thought of the traditional arts being replaced by the digital era. Not to directly blame the computers, but if you think about it, many forms of traditional arts have already suffered....

Art to me means:
To capture the imagination and inspire....

Jim