"Is a flower still a flower by any other name?"

When something is reproduced many times it is still art.
In my opinion, science, invention and art go hand in hand. As soon as the very idea came out from someone's imagination and leapt onto a page it began its reproduction, or birthing process. Ideas, inventions, concepts all coming forth from diverse minds and with many skills becoming reality by fleets of hands not only donned by the artists themselves but trickling down as it were as the vision or idea kept moving forward, becoming part of all those it connected with. I believe that's just how inspiration and ideas are, not exclusively our own but ours to use responsibly and generously. Art is born into being and as it comes into its own, it is built upon (even with just impressions), copied and even improved; this metaphorically speaking is a part of the Arts evolution. If I think of Art as a person I would believe that it would want to be part of everyone's lives, "original work" or not. I think Art would not snub it's nose as those who were not able to gain access to its vaulted ceilings and granite pillars, refuse those who seem to lack the artistic "skill" or push away even the contrived, because I think at it's very root Art is more than just a hobby, or a physical manifestation of the imagination, but a tool in the hands of all humanity to bring about, through difficult and capitalist eras, the progression of the human understanding. Art speaks every language and even communicates through silence. Whether you see it at a museum or in the dollar store, it continues to inspire everyone and no man-made system created will be able to take that away.
As I spoke of earlier art is a tool for humanity to use responsibly and generously and I think photography is surely another medium of this expression. Do I agree that it's being used in this time to influence, subject, downgrade and opress people, yes, but its a much stronger force in the hands of those who have a more copacetic and ethical stance.
Art, to me is about expanding horizons, of the mind and experience. An amazing tool, yes, but more importantly an opportunity for visions, perspectives and unspoken truths to take centre stage. There's a lot of conflict that is present in the this stage of Earth's dance and photography can not only represent values or impressions of one society to another, but can be a peaceful bridge to unite people from vastly different cultures, cracking the door a little more open for discussion to take place.

Henry Pitch Robinson's Photo "Fading Away" (photo courtesy of http://www.britannica.com/EBchecked/topic/505726/Henry-Peach-Robinson)

In referring to Henry Pitch Robinson's use of photography as an art form, I feel it's very important to realise that H.P.Robinson was a strong advocate for high arts and stood his ground in holding photography to the same standards that fine art held for him. I could write, as many of the other classmates in this course wrote, about H.P.Robinson's method of composing the negatives together. Knowing that it's been overly discussed, I will speak of his decision to take that photo from and more personal stance.
Henry originally was an artist; he studied under another artist, whom he had to pay to learn from. He stayed this for a while before choosing to use the medium of photography. I believe that his early passion and understanding of the fine arts of that time era heavily influenced his art and how he framed his shots. Early in his photographic endeavour Henry nearly died after becoming ill from exposure to the photo-chemicals that he worked with. I think that this experience had an impact on why he chose to take that photo-composition 'Fading Away'. I believe that his choice to take this photo had to do with his respect and humility for life photograph, instead of a painting, so as not to subdue or impart bias on this moment of life. Reflecting the brevity and fragility of life since he had come so close to losing his own. Though Henry is not the subject of this photo, I feel his compassion and respect for human life is the message. The era in which the photo was taken was during a time of TB, and many people lost their loved ones. I believe this photographer captured the emotion, outrage, and helplessness of this period of time with dignity and sincere benevolence.