Why do people create art?

[Fang]

It's not a simple question therefore the answer is also complex. You could say these days that it's a way of earning income, but that is only because it has become a respected established practice that people are willing to sacrifice wealth (institutionalized by the current societal convention) to enjoy and experience it. Art has always been around, as has the ecstasy invoked in the man (or yes, woman) intoxicated by the beauty of nature. Things like poetry (specifically rhapsody) have honestly seemed to die off as this ecstasy has seemingly become much rarer due to changes in society.

I create art personally as it is basically a way of transmuting myself into another medium, I know it sounds strange but it's the way I think of it. If I create a piece of music that art is imbued with my essence in one form or another. You could say emotional expression but really the creator always leaves their fingerprint on what they create, emotional or not. Also, I have something in me that wants to "get out" you know?

You could say "all is art" but really in that case, some art is better than others. I personally see it as a field where perfection is unattainable, but you can always get closer.

I don't understand why someone like picasso or van gogh have works which are worth millions? Where and when does monetary value come into it?

Well in terms of monetary value a lot of it with classic pieces is due to the impact and influence they had on art itself. For modern (visual) art though I cannot say, I have seen some truly horrific pieces sell for large sums and some excellent work not manage to get sold at all. The current market is unusual, you can get away with a lot by branding yourself as "postmodern" lol.