Art for art's sake

"Art for art's sake" (from the French l'art pour l'art) is a philosophy holding that art's value comes from its own beauty and form, independent of any moral, political, or utilitarian purpose, emphasizing aesthetics, beauty, and self-expression over teaching lessons or serving social functions. 

To me art is essential to my being and who I am. Collecting, sharing and making art however the latter has become more of a luxury of late.