BLOG 2: The Debate

There are many ways that all of the various arts are different, but there are just as many commonalities that exist too. The arts are a vehicle for creative expression.  All arts are governed by certain elements and principles.  For purpose and focus, I will stay in my lane, the visual arts where I am most comfortable.  Some will disagree with some of my views.  I'm okay with that. 

 

As I began this blog, I realized in my mind at least that it would be a huge undertaking with responsibility. I would like to enhance the lives of people that were short changed with the art experience.  I hope to provide some information that might help those still considering an art career.  I decided art was the only passion to pursue for me.  I have been a lifelong artist and was an art teacher for 30 years.  You learn a few things during that time.   There are many things to share and many images of student work to include in future blogs.    I do hope to acquire some student commentaries about how art influenced their adult lives.    Much of what I share will be based on experience.  Whenever available, I will provide links that give support to the perspectives I present.    Curriculum, and how-to-lessons about art are still being considered, as well as sharing some of my favorite art materials.  A philosophy about art will precede it all.   

SO, let's shake things up.  What is art?  What is an artist?  Are all people creative? Can art skills be learned?  One of my favorites:  Art is a great hobby but there's no money in it.  More on that later, in another blog.   

What is art?  Art (in my lane) is generally an idea expressed through a visual medium by a human.  Sorry elephants don't count.

What is an artist? Some considerations for defining an artist:  Someone that  creates art with intention,  is often is passionate about their work, and is  committed over a period of time to the creative process.    People may create an artistic piece for a particular purpose, but that doesn't automatically make them an artist. A popular trend of gathering together to create a formulaic painting while drinking wine may be fun, but that doesn't automatically make one an artist. It is possible though during such a session, one's inhibitions or fears may be minimized.  This could then be the beginning of a deeper exploration into actually becoming an artist.

Are all people creative? I found this to be true in most situations I encountered in my profession.  The problem is that the creative component needs to be stoked like a fire or it will go out. If a person ignores their creative side, it will be like trying to ignore cans tied to a newlywed's car. There were many times while teaching I encountered some students that claimed they just weren't talented.  Others had an epiphany too.  Those students were able to push through the firewall of insecurity and would say,  "Wow I didn't know I could draw".  Nothing is set in stone.

What about good and bad art?  This has been debated through time.  Art can be  innovative, shocking, reflective, regressive, or stale.  It can be soothing and transformative, even inspiring.  Art imitates life, or life imitates art?  Oscar Wilde said that the latter applies.  What do you think?  You'll need a whole lot of art to answer that one.  But here is one I like:

"Life doesn't imitate art, it imitates bad television."

                                                   Woody Allen

The seeds of art avoidance rests in the fact that some families have not had much exposure to art, and that void can be passed on to their children.  This brings on a pun...true story. 

The debate will likely remain about what art is.  Upon seeing a Jackson Pollock for the first time my students would say, "I could paint that", or "Why do people pay for that, it's not art".  These comments were pretty common.    Jackson Pollock is considered an important art figure.   Why?   One reason is that Pollock's use of materials and approach to art was revolutionary at the time.   Monet and the Impressionists were once considered insane believe it or not. I have a copy of an article, published by the San Diego Union many years ago, that dates back to that time period.  It's packed away, but if I unearth it I will share!

If there is one thing to keep in mind, let it be this.  Maybe you hold the belief that art makes you "well-rounded" or it's a nice hobby.  Regardless of the view you have, please just consider and choose words carefully with young people that have a passion for art and when they don't grow out of it.   For them art is a lifeboat in a sea of choices that are often out of step with how they fit in the world.  

The following images are powerful, and created by one of my AP Art students, Zehra. (Reproduction of either is not permitted).

  I will let you decide if this imagery resonates with you the way it did with me.  

Until next time...