Discuss: if art really matters

hmmm, I agree with you on all points bar one, art need not be inspirational, (one could argue against beauty also). Much of my work is written in a manner to elicit the very opposite.

Art needs to be emotive; inspiration is simply what the artless lack.

My humble opinion.

Mos.

PS.... Then again, depends on what definition of the root word inspire one applies to the question. Some would say I inspire dread!!! :P

Art is about execution, and I don't know how effective an artist's abilities would be without a certain amount of exposure to what came before, and what encompases the quality of what came before.  I live on the outskirts of a thriving community of artists - when I go to coffee shops and restaurants, they're frequently filled with the work of local artists.  Some of it is inspired, some is not.  Henry James, speaking of the art of the novel, once said something to the effect of the novelist (as artist) must have absolute freedom of form (on one hand) but held to only one criteria (on the other): that the output be genuinely interesting.  In other words, the artists ability to make their output genuinely interesting by effective use of craft is the bottom line.  Tastes may vary, but craft, creativity, and the freedom to find an outlet for both, creates great art.  So, I agree with the spirit of your essay - but I think someone could effectively paint flowers on an old chair and create great art.  Likewise, many effort to do the same might be laughable.  Bad art has often times been lauded, for various reasons, within its era of creation, while excellent art has languished.  Time has a way of stripping away the influence of fad and pretense, letting genuine art speak for itself.  The best way to fight your battle is to pick up the brush, pen, or whatever, and seek to create something interesting refined from an informed and inspired practice of creativity itself - then fight off the urges to celebrate mediocrity.

By the way, Art School Confidential is a wonderfully dark and cynical movie.  Well worth seeing.

"Share your opinions, create alternatives, laud what you feel is universally good.  Someone else might disagree, then you have a great conversation - depending on temperments.  Here's to good, intense conversations about art. " Derma.

I agree with this so much that I can't even find words for how I feel. Here's to conversation created by differing opinions, by interested minds, and by alternate avenues for individual tastes and likes. How many artists have been ignored in 'their own time' only to be famous now? How much GREAT work has been designated as foolhardy and not worth the while only to be lauded as the ultimate at a later date in history. The continuation for the sublime in every generation is an aquistion that should live on in healthy argument forever!! I love a good disagreement as long as all parties can do so without anger and I never get angry over someones opinion because I realize, 'that I have my own as well' but I love the talk that has been generated over this subject matter. It is stimulating and has given me a learning experience that I would otherwise be deprived of.

I love the difference of opinions on this site and the feeling that we may all express our opinions without hesitation!! 

----- LIFE: I messed up, can I have a 'do over'?

Gee Julie, just make sure you don't sit on steroids!

For all, I strongly suggest reading a short book by Tom Wolfe: The Painted Word. It's a non-fiction book about the modern art movement, told by someone with a good knowledge of art & art history. And what Wolfe says applies as well to the art of writing.

Alcuin

Excellently put Celticlion, 'tis pretty much how I approach my drivel also.

Mos