this was inspired by Louis Braga's brilliant question in another post regarding models and statues?

To answer this, you need to go back to the basic question, "what is art?"

For me, the answer is art is anything where the creative process is applied.  So, if you have a formula lighting set up, and you plug a model into it, and snap a picture, it's not art.

But, if the "artist" applies any creativity, or makes any attempt to express themselves, it is art.  Then the question becomes, what makes art good or bad?

Of course not.  Since photography was assimilated into and by the Art community sometime in the eighties, it became accepted as Art.  Only Art photography however, not Fashion/Glamour/Whatever.   I am beyond tired of seeing people use the horrid term Artistic as they apply it, generally, to their photography.  It's Art or it's Craft or it's Commercialpaythebills, but never Artistic, ugh.  Leave that for draperies and flower arranging please.  Their was an Artist on this site, Barron Claiborne, haven't seen him lately.  Look him up and you can start with him in the search for ART, there and elsewhere.

Is all oil on canvas art?