Well, as a creative type, I just have to butt in here.
What is art?
Ever had a great haircut or a wonderful meal made by a friend?
True art is something that, through the creator's vision and unique abilities somehow rises above the ordinary, everyday and perfectly acceptable.
I've only seen one Confente frame, but there was something about it that was just "right". Its a combination of a million subtle details that conspire to create that "rightness", that simple representation of the creator's vision, when there is no element that screams out as being"wrong". Its a rare thing. Its the ahhhhh... reaction.
I've seen the same thing in Richard Sachs frames and Brian Baylis' paint jobs, among others. They are art because they are "right" just as they are, and that "rightness" you witness is the vision, talent, taste, skill and heart of the person creating it.
Many times, there is no way the creator will ever recoup the emotional investment in his work, but they do it anyway because they believe in it and offer it to those few who understand and seach it out.
As someone outside that art you're allowed the opportunity to bask in the glow of that perfection, enjoy a nice plate of pasta made by a friend or just ignore it all if you choose.
Afterall, its just another meal.
Ted, art sure ain't what it used to be.