"The purpose of art is not to communicate with the audience. The purpose of art is to still and quiet the mind, and make it receptive to divine influences." John Cage
It’s as if you mind melded with me! Like Mr. Spock. In person who never wanted to write or create art. But later in life finding myself in that place. At 82 now after 15 years of caregiving for my husband who passed away. Now facing my own health challenge.
Who to care for the art and writing. Oh yes! Sacred!
I have a lovely book given to me on the art of the Inuit. Of being so sophisticated. Compared to western art.
Definitely what was said in this post. When I see someone looking at my art, I let them for a bit. If they seem approachable, I will do so slowly and smile. I usually ask them what it is they are seeing as they look at that piece of art. I love hearing their stories ... not mine. The comment I hear the most ... it draws them in and they "feel" like they can walk into the painting and explore it.
I simply don't have this same view of art as sacred, i can be a tricky space theologically. . That being said I love the British museum to see the Cyrus Cylinder and rejoice at its news. To see the stand with the ram stuck in the thorn bush from Ur to exegete. To see the models of Middle Kingdom houses and better imagine the lives of my ancestors there.
Though I did marvel at the early modern automotons and clocks as well as the intricacy of the anglo Saxon and viking jewelry.
Very beautifully written, and I would like to add that historically the purpose of art has included other things as well. For many years, it helped record history, it helps pass down stories without words to illiterate people. ( i’m thinking of churches and cathedrals) it was used to create a sense of glory like in the creation of the ark of the covenant. And I think the role of the artist is on a spectrum. The role of Art today is different than it was a couple thousand years ago. It’s all very interesting. Since Art can be many things, not just paintings, which is why the purpose of Art has been and can be many things all at once. Depends on who’s observing it lol (almost like in quantum physics) it can be a wave and then a particle when observed.
For context, I’m a person that can go outside and stare up close at the moss community on my Tree, and be overwhelmed with emotion at how magnificent and beautiful it is, the details of the world around me sometimes are too overwhelming for me to even paint them, and I have to take my contacts out lol 😆 so art is sort of many things. Sometimes it’s medicine, sometimes it’s a story, sometimes it’s a beautiful distraction.
"The purpose of art is not to communicate with the audience. The purpose of art is to still and quiet the mind, and make it receptive to divine influences." John Cage
Yes, well-said!
It’s as if you mind melded with me! Like Mr. Spock. In person who never wanted to write or create art. But later in life finding myself in that place. At 82 now after 15 years of caregiving for my husband who passed away. Now facing my own health challenge.
Who to care for the art and writing. Oh yes! Sacred!
I have a lovely book given to me on the art of the Inuit. Of being so sophisticated. Compared to western art.
Thanks for sharing, Annie.
I communicate with God when I create - I opens up a whole new world! xo Nice job!
I do too when I write! Thanks.
I’m 82. I needed to read this today. The art and writing coming through me. A mystery. My children. Now all grown up
Definitely what was said in this post. When I see someone looking at my art, I let them for a bit. If they seem approachable, I will do so slowly and smile. I usually ask them what it is they are seeing as they look at that piece of art. I love hearing their stories ... not mine. The comment I hear the most ... it draws them in and they "feel" like they can walk into the painting and explore it.
I like it - hearing their stories, not mine!
How wonderful to learn the original derivation for the word Art . Thank you
Thanks, Vicki!
Thank you for reminding us of the hope that art brings to us all if we join hands and open ourselves to participate.
Wonderful article. Yes, to dance with the divine…
I simply don't have this same view of art as sacred, i can be a tricky space theologically. . That being said I love the British museum to see the Cyrus Cylinder and rejoice at its news. To see the stand with the ram stuck in the thorn bush from Ur to exegete. To see the models of Middle Kingdom houses and better imagine the lives of my ancestors there.
Though I did marvel at the early modern automotons and clocks as well as the intricacy of the anglo Saxon and viking jewelry.
Beautifully well written Srtocle
from ones heart and soul
It is easy to get off track from the meaning/ purpose of things in this AI world.
Yes, true!
Very beautifully written, and I would like to add that historically the purpose of art has included other things as well. For many years, it helped record history, it helps pass down stories without words to illiterate people. ( i’m thinking of churches and cathedrals) it was used to create a sense of glory like in the creation of the ark of the covenant. And I think the role of the artist is on a spectrum. The role of Art today is different than it was a couple thousand years ago. It’s all very interesting. Since Art can be many things, not just paintings, which is why the purpose of Art has been and can be many things all at once. Depends on who’s observing it lol (almost like in quantum physics) it can be a wave and then a particle when observed.
For context, I’m a person that can go outside and stare up close at the moss community on my Tree, and be overwhelmed with emotion at how magnificent and beautiful it is, the details of the world around me sometimes are too overwhelming for me to even paint them, and I have to take my contacts out lol 😆 so art is sort of many things. Sometimes it’s medicine, sometimes it’s a story, sometimes it’s a beautiful distraction.