All art uses visual material of some kindOTHER arts use other kinds of materials (sounds, bodily movements, etc.).The materials are the limiting factor of artistic activity.This applies to all artists for it is not possible to do what the materials cannot do.In addition that visual material is changed in some way.The changes happen when the artists use their creativity.Creativity happens with the other art forms too.It's something they all share.
BUT with different material characteristics in each case.Opaque materials could include any of the following: Liquids can be poured and any form is taken from the container.Because of the effect of gravity liquids are formless (paint, water, oil, milk, paste, ink, tea).Material which is solid matter in dry fins particles.Powders have micro-form and include granular substances.Often they can be mixed or used as additives with liquids (flour, dirt, ash, sawdust, rice, seed).Light is material which is bright and non-concrete.Light's form is in rays.
Rays can be mixed and will effect other materials (projections, globes, fire, sunlight).Addition increases the quantity of material or joins smaller components to form a larger whole.This increasing or joining will make the original material bigger or more complex (a painting).There are infinite possibilities.Subtraction is an act that removes or takes away.This process reduces quantity and makes the original material smaller (carving).If continued sufficiently there will be nothing left except waste.Subtraction is often a component of an act which is additive.
Multiplication is addition where the factor added in each case is identical.It is therefore an act of adding something to itself a number of times (building with toothpicks).Division is a subtraction process where the same item is subtracted repeatedly.This could include splitting, separating, sharing and classifying (spirograph) and if continued sufficiently there will be nothing left.Brain-storming is an addition process where many ideas are developed in a short time.No idea is rejected and combination and improvement of all ideas is encouraged.Re-cycling can be addition or subtraction.Previously discarded material or ideas given a new form or role (use old paintings for collage.
).Hitch-hiking is an addition process where someone else's idea is developed.Hitch-hiking could be in conjunction with brain-storming or re-cycling (someone else's painting).