Civility

I am currently reading a wonderful book titled The Twilight of American Culture by Morris Berman. The premise is that America is in decline and currently looks a lot like the Roman Empire during its decay. This is not a new or unique take on postmodern (or late modern) US, but it does bring up the issue of civility. I am curious to hear from you about the difference between free speech and disobedience to the point of rupturing the social fabric of society without having any new answers.

As always, enjoy the world around you!

Toby

The Power of Art

Throughout the ages, the fine arts were controlled by the elite. While some artists tried to make political statements with their art, this was very much the exception to the rule. Then came the Impressionists, Expressionists, and the Dadaists. Well, can art make a difference? I am still trying to find my place in political art, and have done a few things in that area. Here is one piece titled “Shared Responsibility” in which Adam is holding an apple with TWO bites taken out of it. No mention is made of who took the first bite, and while Eve is sticking her fingers through Adam’s arm, this is more a surrealist moment than anything gender specific. Interested to hear about other pieces that have made you think about political and social issues.

Art — don’t you get it?

It is always interesting to hear people look at abstract art and say, “I don’t get it.” Picasso once asked why people spend so much time trying to “figure out art,” but don’t think twice about enjoying the song of a bird without trying to understand what is being communicated. Why are so many people so worried about “getting” art? Why is it not enough to know that someone enjoyed making it…

Making Art

While I rarely find it difficult to compose drawings and paintings, I sometimes struggle with deciding if that is the best way to use my time. I was looking at images of Tori Gates the other day, and decided that painting something spiritual may help myself and others seek inner peace…is art the best way to find our spiritual self?

Art, Artists and Conflict

The above picture is something I finished recently that is loosely based on Franz Marc’s Sleeping Dog, which brings up a question.  Marc did some wonderful work, though also thought it was his duty to fight for his homeland (Germany) in WWI, the same war in which the Dada movement began.  So, who was right?

Tolerance in Art

I asked in my last entry about values and art, but let me back up just a bit.  A couple of years ago I was asked to spend some time with some students at a leadership program.  While I do enjoy students, I am not a big fan of motivational programs (if it’s not inside of you, it is hard to put it there)…one of the things everyone had to do was to develop a “vision” of the world.  My was simply that all art forms and religious practices would be tolerated (this is not the same as accepted), unless it meant harm to someone.  During the past year in which I have been exhibiting some of my art around Michigan, I have found many people like to force their own ideas on the art (and world) around them.  These are typically the same people who are very quick to defend their own values when they are questioned.

So, my question to you — which is more rhetorical than anything else — is, can we, as humans, get beyond thinking we know what’s best for everyone else, but are unwilling to accept the same criticism from others?

 The painting that goes along with this has been sold, but some felt it had religious connotations (given that the small squares are in the form of a cross)…so what?  That was not my intention, but does it really (need to) matter?

Take care, and make someone smile today…

Toby