"Connecting my Project to my Definition of Art"

Art is defined for me as something that is meaningful and deliberate from the artist.  It has a message that the artist wants to send to the viewer.  What art isn't is something made just for its face value.  You can paint a pretty rainbow just because it's pretty, or you can paint a rainbow that symbolizes the diversity you'd like to see around you.  For me, the artist's intent contributes almost as much as the visual piece itself.

My project is a good definition of what I think is art because I want people to see what I see.  I want them to see how life is on the other end of the spectrum.  I have a message to send, and it's this: "Look at your fellow man.  They are us.  We all deserve better."

Since I want my pictures to be in black and white, I want them to be kind of stark and somber looking.  I want to catch the viewer's attention, make them have to get used to what they see.  The most difficult part of my project has been actually starting, because a) I've been sick and missed half a week of taking pictures, and b) I can't figure out a respectful way to take a homeless person's picture, because they might not appreciate it, get angry, or just not want me to do it at all.  I think I will get it done soon, though.  Either that, or I will have to come up with another concept for my project.