When it comes to art, are you more likely to create it yourself, or consume the art that someone else has created?
Share why if you wish.
Art: Create Or Consume?
Asking — and answering — life's interesting questions
When it comes to art, are you more likely to create it yourself, or consume the art that someone else has created?
Share why if you wish.
The vast majority of art I consume. I listen to music, I look at paintings or drawings.
Of course, this gets to a secondary question of what, exactly, is considered “art”? I suppose that if, for instance, conversation is an art, I am more of a participant than a spectator. Is Intellectual Roundtable art?
The Art Parts of Life are not paid work for me but Access to Practice. I sometimes purchase or consume art like a framed print at a summer street fair, or ticket to dance concert or by listening to a song with strict attending. I am not a critic but am critical and have confidence in those critiques. Chalk that up to choirs or madrigals, ballet or modern dance education self sought. My homeboundedness during covid was a driver to new modes of consuming art ~ since you’ve asked. In covidtimes I’ve discovered several new modes. Have you heard of “Reactions” on YouTube? Are they new? Whether they are or not, they are certainly a democracy of musical process. I have listened to ‘O Holy Night’ by David Phelps, a Gaither family tenor, at least 27 times along with voice coaches and simple folks who dare to create their own channels and openly share first impressions. Or myself reviewed the original song, again and again, in plaintive wonder. Another fascinating song which stops people, including me, in their tracks is ‘Go Rest High On That Mountain’ and especially when Ricky Skaggs, Alison Crouch or Patty Loveless accompany Vince Gill, the author. There’s a moment of high harmony in that chorus which stills reactors visibly, stops them in their swaying and bending, even to new found blue grass appreciations. These songs take me to church. Somewhere between theatre and church I weep. Willingly. Openly. Not even sad. Just moved. The arts parts of this simple passtime have been enough to bump me over the edge into contemplating soul energy, pushed me into emotions hard to unearth at home alone, touched into core beliefs. Art creates or believes in connection, cohesion, messaging which transforms. My art does. I know it stands alone too as a record, hung over the mantel, or abstractional, expressionist, scored, scripted. But does art intend emotion? Or are the emotings a secondary benefit? Despite limitations still holding sway and though Zoominationally speaking we have been separated physically for years now; we’re electronically enabled at the same time to cross greater miles than ever contemplated. Would we have even thought of this type of fully inclusive meeting ground without a worldwide lock down? Would I have had this energy or gone down this musical discovery rabbit hole were it not for this pandemic? I seek positives and silver linings in the covid cloud and art appreciation or consuming, if not creation, may be one. Is my consuming the art produced by others an arts practice? How does my consuming art rank versus my creation of my own work? Is the busy-ness of my business of organizing blocking my creative capacity? Will I choose between we, the people, and my self seeking? My arts parts of living?
Consume, but not nearly enough of it.
I vote both and. I have so many framed photographs, paintings, drawings, and objects of art that I don’t have enough wall space to display them all. Some of these are my own photographs. I have also created quilted pillow covers of my own designs as gifts. On the listening side of art, I sing and play piano, and have written simple songs for children. And I attend concerts and listen to a wide array of music.
Creating works of art is very fulfilling and brings joy. Consuming art is also a joyful practice. Exploring a museum for new finds is a fun adventure, and seeking out and viewing favorite pieces is heartwarming.
So, yes, both and.