Natural Found Art?

Found art is defined as,

"A natural object or an artifact not originally intended as art, found and considered to have aesthetic value."

It's interesting that what makes it an art is the intention behind it. Think about it--something previous not considered art (let's take our age-old friend, Duchamp, and peg him as this type of artist who would make a statement like this... because, well... he did)--something previously not considered art (the urinal) can be art (the Fountain)... just because it is found to have aesthetic value or weight.

That's interesting. So, pictures of shadows--shadows are entities that are just "there," but when intended for a deeper purpose, it becomes something more--namely, art.

Is this art? Naturally found art?

A shadow, I think is something natural... and found. And, when composed in such a way that its intended purpose is to show something deeper, it becomes art. Art, what is art? Well, as Webster says, art is, "the expression or application of human creative skill and imagination,typically in a visual form such as painting or sculpture, producing works to be appreciated primarily for their beauty or emotional power."

Emotional power. And expression or application of human creative skill.

It's interesting. Most photographs fall under this assumption, don't they?

This brings to mind the question of--is natural art really art? Or, is it the photograph that keeps it framed in such a manner? Because, the only way we see the Spiral Jetty or the pieces of Goldsworthy is by a photograph, if not naturally experiencing them.

So, here's something that when compiled (Rachel, you might like this, since you're super crafty!), looks aesthetically pleasing and mouth watering... I've always been under the idea (since I have a huge Italian German family) that food is always better when it looks good. So, here's some food art:

Okay, maybe not so "aesthetically pleasing" because my bunny cupcake making skills aren't up to par, but you get the gist. Or, maybe it's like with words. Words can be naturally found art because of their intentions...

And, then we get into everything you ever hear about naturally found art--it's ephemeral, isn't it? Sand art, leaf art, shadows, cupcakes, or these little words; all of them are ephemeral, fading, but the concept stays with you.

Why?

Because of order. The human capacity to look for order out of naturally occurring things is artistic. This is an expression that is valued as a commodity of concept nowadays. Adorno professed this in his essays. :) So, there's a lot to chew on. I'll leave you to your own devices. But, for now... I'm going to go look for some shadows...