what is art?

Today in class we really got into an interesting discussion. First off, the question posed both by Tolstoy and the rest of the world: what is art? After reading the selections given us and then discussing it, I have come to realize that I really don't know! Not only that but what do we do with it? What about those that create it? I am learning that in his book What is Art? Tolstoy argues that if one makes art for money then they are prostituting this gift. But then we think, well we have to make a living right? And hey, isn't building structures, teaching classes, or even flipping burgers things that can be done artfully? But perhaps "true" art is only achieved on a few occasions in ones lifetime and when that is done for the purpose of gain then perhaps that is almost sinful. Taking an ability to create and give life to something, and deliberately using it for opposing motives does sound pretty harsh. I was told that Tolstoy sort of abandoned his mansion and hung out with the servants in his field. That is interesting, and perhaps true to his art, but I don't want to live in the field with my wife and kids!

The underlaying factor is why and how? My professor shared some things from Jacob 2 about seeking riches should come after glory of God, and then, only seeking riches to do good. He also shared some different things about how we decide on what we view and it really does come to a sort of personal relationship with the Lord and figuring it out with Him. It is very challenging for me. What makes Michelangelo's David art? To the unlearned or perhaps the naive viewer it may just appear as some naked man in a somewhat strange position. To many, some films seem like bad or inappropriate art and this is not necessarily bad. But if I am studying film, and right now I am, then how can I find the line between recognizing the Davids of the industry and shunning the naked men that are most definitely overpopulating the wold? I don't know.