Do you ever read something amazing and wonder how you found it. I often find myself thankful for "favorites" tab on Explorer. That way I don't lose a great site. I thought of this because of an article I found today.
The article begins with the premise, "
what is the difference between art and music?" What a great question for all of the arts (ex. what is the difference between art and drawing?). In his article Scott James asserts that artists create from within, aren't afraid of failure, believe that art matters, create art in every aspect of their lives, and try to make art happen in the real world.
These are challenging thoughts for someone who claims to be an artist. Two of his points hit especially close to home: artists believe it matters, and they try to make it happen in the real world. I have quite a few paintings stuffed away, never to see the light of day. Much of what I do, even this guitar project, is for my own benefit and not in the service of others.
Scott alludes to the idea that art should be created to benefit others. In education, researchers have found that students perform the best when they create for an authentic audience. However, there is even one greater rung on the ladder of student performance. If the object they create benefits or serves an authentic audience, their learning and performance will be at its maximum.
It would make logical sense then that artists will create the best when they know that their art is done in service. It is a worthy aspiration to strive toward. I wonder, could this be the highest goal of art?
