The definition of an artist is wide-ranging and covers a
broad spectrum of activities inclusive of forming, practicing or demonstrating
a creative work. The word "art,” derived from the Latin "ars," means "skill, method,
technique, or craft," is understood not in the functional aspect of the
object created, but in its beauty. During the Middle Ages, the idea of the
artist already existed in some European countries, but the meaning was
something resembling craftsman for both the utility of the objects and their
attractiveness. An artist was considered someone who was able to do a given
work better than others, so the skill at the activity was underlined, rather
than the activity itself.
In present day, the word "artist” is a descriptive term
applied to a person who engages in an activity deemed to be an art, such as sculpture.
An artist can also be defined as, "a person who expresses themselves
through a medium," such as bronze. The word "artist” has a qualitative
meaning – in the sense that people who use imagination, talent, or skill to
create works with real aesthetic value are artists.
Art historians and critics define artists as those who
produce art within a recognized or recognizable discipline; these disciplines
are extensive and include forms such as dance, painting, or even bronze
sculpture.
Artists are often associated with particular societies and
their cultures. In Canadian culture, artists enhance and define the value of
the country they live in and are held in esteem as national symbols of
greatness. The presence of the works of "great masters" in museums
all over the world helps nations to further their influence. In this sense, all
the works of these artists will become "public" within their
nationality. Recognized Canadian artists uphold a certain status and are
considered ambassadors. Examples of famous modern Canadian artists include:
- AA Bronson (mixed media)
- Ken Danby (painter)
- Nina Raginsky (photographer), and
- Brett Davis (sculptor)
These are but a few stellar examples of modern artists who
will join other renowned artists such as the Group of Seven, Alice Munro,
Margaret Atwood, Frances Loring, and Walter Seymour Allward in their Canadian iconic
status in the annals of time.
In the case of Brett Davis, his uniqueness comes from his
understanding and mastery of the bronze medium. He understands the importance
of art within the community and has worked to integrate site-specific bronze
sculptures and bronze water features into the landscape designs. His art is
also displayed in the form of public monuments to immortalize a significant
person, family or historic event; monuments that have become landmarks in the
community and have been key in the promotion of culture and tourism. He is a
Canadian artist who you can further explore on his main website at
www.ageofbronze.ca.