The difference between “Art” and “art”

Danny Gregory in his book Art Before Breakfast: A Zillion Ways to Be More Creative No Matter How Busy You Are writes about the distinction between “Art” and “art”, which really hit home for me as I’m incorporating more art into my life:

“Art with a big <<A>> is for museums, galleries, critics, and collectors. art with a small <<a>> is for the rest of us.

Art is a business, an industry, a racket. art is about passion, love, life, humanity - everything that is truly valuable.

Art is sold, resold, put under the gavel, and insured up the wazoo. art with a small <<a>> is not a product. It's a point of view. It's a way of life.

Art is made by trained professionals and experts. art is made by accountants, farmers, and stay-at-home moms at restaurant tables, in parking lots, and laundry rooms.

Art takes Art School and Talent and years of Suffering and Sacrifice. art just takes desire and 15 minutes a day.

You may not be an Artist. Big whoop. But I know you can make art - with a wonderful, expressive, teeny, tiny a.”

I used to believe that I couldn't make art because I wasn't gifted and didn't have a degree. Back then, it was Art that I was thinking of. Seeing art with a small "A" that is a way of life, a magic you add to your life, a form of expression has radically transformed my perspective on my abilities and added so much value to my life. Drawing, making zines, playing with words all make each day meaningful.