sculpting

when i was NYU getting my filling fixed by a dental student, i talked to the dentist, as i am sure most people do when they get work done on their mouth. for that matter, i think talking in general is common with any doctor. the doctor upon hearing that i went to school for art, said he wanted to see my art. i gave this no mind as most people say this in passing once they hear that your an artist. its normal. the difference here is, he brought this up multiple times while working on my teeth. sometimes at points where i could not respond because my mouth was pried open so he could reach the molar in the far back.... not fun. my mouth is tiny. amusingly he said 'i am a sort of artist as well. i sculpt'. staring at him, because there is no other place to look aside from maybe nostrils, i gave a perplexed look so he could elaborate.... 'i sculpt teeth, there is a sort of art to that no?'. even with my mouth ajar, i smiled and gave a slight nod. maybe he is right. maybe perception is a major part of art. society decides what is and what is not art just as much as the artist themselves.