Oh, yes, please let's have this debate! What else is a forum good for?
Now, in this particular case, and not wanting to put a dent into Ed (who is a lovely guy and deserves all the credits he can get), as far as I am concerned, this is not art. Sorry, Ed.
For me, art has to do a couple of things, not necessarily all of them at once:
- It has to challenge your brain or present a new approach
- It has to require a considerable effort (from the artist).
- It has to show exceptional craftsmanship
- It has to appeal in some way to my aesthetic ideals
There are probably as many definitions of art out there as there are people, but this is mine (or at least a shortened version of it). And although I do like this piece, and I do like Ed as a person, this does not tick enough boxes to make it art. Good craft, yes. Art, no.