Marissa, your title is just the opposite of how your photo strikes me. I gain nothing but hope as I view the efforts of this tree, surviving in this environment. Bravo for it and for you for capturing it.
Do not concern yourself with the questions,"What is Art?" or "Who is an artist?" Everthing is art. If whatyou see an do comes from your heart, you are the artist.
This reminds me of the pines that grow out of the rocks in the Black Hills. This is a very inspirational photo. I love the mountains in the back ground. Nice!!!