I've studied mathematics for much of my life, and it took a long time before I strongly grasped math as a wonderful, unique, and religious art form.  I also love the abstract logical beauty of chess and the dazzling, almost silly, creative ideas of high level chess players.  Yet, I don't fully appreciate chess as an art.

When, if ever, did you start seeing chess as an art form?

Math is one of my majors and I can see chess as art. In my case as very messy art. I'm trying to do better. Daily tactics trainer sessions among other things.