ART vs. AD

A few days ago I came across this post on Art is Everywhere, an aggressively art-centric blog that has some admirable qualities. The post presented a polarized view of the differences between art and advertising. The point of view is clearly that of an artist, and I'm assuming a socially engaged artist, projecting the ills of contemporary society and it's inseparable relationship with capitalism.
The author wrote:

"Industry
uses
all kind of media
to reach consumers’ attention.

A peace of ART
can
inspire people to search meaning of life
give life a deeper meaning

A peace of ADV
can
inspire people to consume stuff
give life a superficial meaning" Art is Everywhere

To one degree or the next, it seems that many artists could agree with this statement, romantic and 20th century-esq as it is. However, more than eliciting agreement from this camp, it made me wonder, why exactly does the line have to be drawn so distinctly?

This type of attitude is what perpetuates the idea that ART is one thing, (pure, unaffected, honest, true) and DESIGN is another, tainted by its relationship to the commercial system. This would only hold true if art and artists today were actively trying to be pure or sincere. Perhaps as the art world moves out from under the weight of Postmodernism, some of those more lofty pursuits might seem attractive to artists again.

Unlike most art, the design of consumer objects has the potential to reach thousands and thousands of people, entering their lives and interacting in a tangible and physical way. (Doesn't sound too different from the goals of art practices like relational aesthetics...)
What if those consumer objects encouraged people to reflect on their lives, or their natures as consumers? People might never stop buying things, why not create something that has a psychological function, an emotional or spiritual function.

Something that cannot be labeled "stuff."

Perhaps "Art is Everywhere" is unknowingly trying to create such a thing with a book the author published and is offering for sale here.

Photos courtesy of Art is Everywhere