what is art for?!?!?

this is a very good question . . . 

in fact it is a question that gets a great deal of my attention throughout the day; 
as I ache for time in my studio or race to get dinner on the table at least an hour before bedtime or as I pay bills.  

photographer: maya rovniak

so when i saw the title of this video, i was intrigued, and when i watched said video, i was not disappointed.  in fact it was a salve for my current state of discouragement and malaise about being an artist, a state that usually follows the completion of a large project, such as 'sky warrior II . . .'

i love all aspects of the creative process, however for me, the final weeks of production when one is racing against an install date and everything else falls back into a dulled haze; that time of razor sharp focus and almost round the clock creating is one of my favorite times.

and when the project is finished and installed i usually have quite a let-down . . . besides the basic physical exhaustion that follows such a period of intense work, there is the loss of focus and usually a disappointment stemming from working so, so hard and yet feeling like nothing has changed . . .

yes, it is true, that something has been created and put out into the world to be seen by others, a piece that might inspire, that might anger, might cheer up, might distract, etc.; yet ...

 Martha Graham has a quote that speaks to this matter, one that i have posted many times on this blog:

There is a vitality, a life force, a quickening that is translated through you into action, and there is only one of you in all time. This expression is unique, and if you block it, it will never exist through any other medium; and be lost. The world will not have it.

It is not your business to determine how good it is, not how it compares with other expression. It is your business to keep it yours clearly and directly, to keep the channel open. You have to keep open and aware directly to the urges that motivate you. Keep the channel open.

No artist is pleased. There is no satisfaction whatever at any time. There is only a queer, divine dissatisfaction, a blessed unrest that keeps us marching and makes us more alive than the others.

Martha Graham

yes, artists each contribute their own unique voice to the world, that is the job of the artist.  and in this video Alain de Botton lists reasons why we, as artists, must continue to do our jobs and what art brings to the world on whole.

all wonderful points to be reminded of as the sabotaging mind-monkeys are plotting their personal attack.  

what you think of Alain de Botton's point of view?? do you agree/disagree??
would love to hear your thoughts . . .

 

peace, va