Jan. 10, 2009

I've been having a discussion with a friend involving aesthetic perception and speaking a language that goes beyond words with our art. We were talking on how difficult it is to define the aesthetic moment - that moment when the spirit of the art, touches the spirit of the viewer. How does one define the language of the spirit? I don't know exactly but that's what is stated within a work of art. Stated may not be the correct word to use... it is a visual language, one that words or definitions cannot describe. I think that there is a subjective quality within a work of art that speaks to the spirit. Yes, there are the elements and principles of art and design that when arranged evoke a certain response but I think that there is something that goes beyond the formal elements that helps to create a deep level of response or reaction. Why do people respond to visual art in such viseral ways? Why is someone moved to tears or is speechless when standing before a painting/drawing/sculpture? There are emotions, feelings, yearnings that are brought forth when viewing a work of art and these are very real and valid. It is touching something within the spirit, something that instinctively knows how to respond to it -that needs to respond to it. Of course, not every work of art elicits such a response and not everyone will respond the same way to a work of art but at some point, art moves people.

Why is it necessary for humans to create? It is necessary for it is a part of our nature. We are the only creatures on the planet who create - the rest of the animal kingdom does not create like humans do. It is intrinsic to the human condition. I truly believe that it is because we are created in the image of God and and share His creativity. When we create, we share in that creative force that has been given to us - all of us. While not everyone is an artist who paints, draws, plays or creates music, sculpts, writes, dances, etc..., everyone has the creative ability within them. Just look at the cave paintings and sculpures from ancient history to validate this point. They were not 'trained artists' but the creativity came forth in painting, clay, weaving plus other art forms. The idea of art wasn't even a concept then, it was just something natural for our ancestors to do. Craft is what we term it today for ever since the Renaissance the idea of fine art has seperated the two catagories. But within the craft distinction, they had the language of the visual. The idea of realism and abstraction were evident. Even within the customs of many different peoples around the world, craft such as weaving, basketry, painting were symbols of the spiritual. In some cultures, abstraction was the depiction of the spiritual. So these ideas are not new or belong to just the 'Fine Arts'. It is a language that has been around since the beginning of our creative being.

Why is the visual so powerful? I believe that it is because art is a spirit to spirit communication and it resonates within our being (the same could be said for other art forms but I am talking specifically of the visual arts today). As I stated previously, we were made to create and I think the visual engages our imagination in a unique way that is intrinsic to itself. It communicates so much within a short amount of time - in an instant we can receive the power of its message. As trite as it may be, the old addage is correct, a picture is worth a thousand words - and more because it speaks a language that is its own.

Well, that's enough for today. Thanks for bearing with my rambling.... until next time, take care, enjoy, and God bless.