Design vs. Art Simplified
There are many ways explain design and art. And a lot of debates have been going on about it.
Understanding these two gives me clearer perspective on functional living. This is my interpretation based on my experiences. It constantly helps me understand and appreciate the things around me.
Simply put, design should always serve a purpose and is not open to interpretation. Good design just works.
Art does not need to serve a purpose and is open to interpretation. Good art stimulates thoughts, feelings and emotions.
Good design is art. But good art is not necessarily design. This does not mean that one is better than the other and that we have to choose one over the other. A healthy space and lifestyle should have both. The problem arises when can not distinguish one from the other. Specially if you are in need of design. Art, because it stimulates emotions, it always has a strong pull. It makes you want something even if the function you need is compromised or not there.
Here are examples of design and art in the context of everyday objects.
Design:
Oneida Chef's Table Dinner Fork
The purpose of a fork is to spear food to transfer it from one place (usually a plate) to another (usually inside your mouth). This fork gets the job done without fuss.
Art:
Chair #3 by Katerina Kamprani
Here is a good example of art. The chair’s basic purpose of seating and giving comfort is not there. But this specific chair actually provokes thoughts, feelings and emotions.
Design is what you have to look at and decide if it meets your needs. When something is designed well, form will follow function.
Art is something you decide on after your needs are met. It is something that gives you joy or inspiration. It may even be a reminder. Like I said, the interpretation or the purpose of it is up to you. But it should never be a hindrance to your daily activities.
Art when misunderstood can be dangerous. It may give you that temporary satisfaction that becomes addicting when you are not mindful about it. And once art starts being an inconvenience, it means that it has overpowered design in your life. I have experienced this first hand. I love Star Wars. I just love how the characters from the Empire look like. And for some reason I started collecting and placing them on my work table at home. Slowly, my work table was taken over by the Empire and was unusable. So it used its force and made me start using my dining table for work. Paperwork started filling my desk. And since I didn’t want my paperwork to get dirty, I started eating on top of kitchen counter. You get the point. My hoarding of art became an inconvenience that made my quality of life suffer. And so I had to create a criteria for myself. That is why even if I like something so much, I always ask myself these three questions.
Is the price fit for me? (Object Usage Worth formula)
Does it complement the look of my other items?
And most importantly, do I have space for it?
Today I still have art around my home. But I make sure that it’s the ones that I care for and does not disrupt my activities.
Art and design working together to create my home.
By all means, appreciate and obtain art if you genuinely want to. But be mindful. Never neglect your design needs.
Functional living differs from person to person. It starts with your lifestyle that is based on your honest needs and wants. And practicing your understanding of design and art can lead you to it.
So the question you have to ask every time you see an object is "Is it design or art?".
