Hm… Short answer: no.
Long answer:
- I don’t really think about any writing in terms of “art;” I just think about it in terms of expression, more akin to language (i.e., talking or thinking) and, secondarily, connection (when the message is understood.) I’d rather write a sticky note that says “milk” than agonize over trying to craft a sonnet saying the same thing “prettily.” I know that may sound like an extreme comparison, but it’s also kind of not. Too many people are so caught up in the “art” part that they aren’t even leaving a sticky note (and then actually getting frustrated when they later have no milk in the fridge!) To those people I say, “just write!" Because yes, there is beautiful writing out there — of course! But a.) the beauty comes from the humanness, and a “milk” sticky note will tug at my (and most people’s) heart strings sooner than some standoffish, contrived “creative art” will. And b.) You can’t create “art” if you’re not creating anything. Don’t worry about art if you’re not even writing. The more that someone puts “art” on a pedestal and finds themselves in a bind over this, the more we need to separate them. Just write first and build from there.
- Even if we assume writing is art, however, then: still no, I still don’t think the “crap” is art. BUT — huge caveat here —that “crap” is still a pretty non-negotiable part of the creative process. Like: no — “flour, sugar, baking soda and butter” are not “cupcake.” But you can’t really get to “cupcake” without them.
