Origins of Art

Art was created as an outlet of expression! It enabled us to use our individual perception to interpret it, whilst it still communicated a message, be it spiritual, philosophical, religious, or political! Art was able to touch our emotions and open our minds to new ways of understanding stories, myths, legends, and unique perspectives. The earliest art was most likely from Indigenous cultures such as the Aboriginals, who depicted their culture and spirit dreamings through cave drawings and paintings. Art later derived from ancient civilizations such as Africa, China, Pre Columbia, Egypt, Greece, India, Mesopotamia, Oceania, and Rome.

Ancient Romans saw their Gods as their main source of artistic devotion. It was expected of them to depict them as super humans portrayed with their special powers, such as Neptune with his trident. Ancient cultures like Greece concentrated more on animals before moving on to capture the human form. By the time of the Middle Ages, Gothic and Byzantine Art was still influenced by religious beliefs. During the Romantic period, Art was considered more of a mental exercise associated with science and religion.

When aesthetic beauty was created with a purpose of particular function, such art became known as more a craft rather than just an art form. Early pottery and wicker basket weaving is a great example of such crafts being established. Today, when an architect designs a building, it is simply defined as commercial art, however the basic principles of art as craftsmanship remain the same! The word 'Art' originates from the Latin meaning for 'skill or craft', and the Indo European meaning 'to arrange'.

Art has developed into many guises throughout past generations, and has only ever grown stronger over time! From its earliest beginnings, Art has bloomed into never ending fields of discovery, creativity, expression, story telling, and purpose. It can be compelling, confronting, exciting, and practical! No other medium is used on such a universally day to day basis!