The Why of Art

I find questions about the what and why of art silly; what does it matter? We have been doing it since we could scratch on a cave wall with a rock. I do have some thoughts about my own why and wherefore so stay with me if you are interested.

My question is why the need? Why do I feel deprived when I have to give time to marketing my work, going out for groceries, dealing with a plumbing problem or anything that steals the time I want to be in my studio? I feel robbed and unhappy. What is that about?

My answer is that while I love my life and the world around me and the people in it, none of it is perfect. Far from it. I cannot control much nor make my life or anyone else's happen as if I were directing a movie. But in my studio I can create perfection. To my own standards, of course. Whose could be better? I can make a painting that has all the characteristics that I hunger for. Today it will probably be something in flawless balance and harmony, heart-stoppingly beautiful. If I can make something that fits that description, I am momentarily complete and probably more than a little tired. If I can't create that to my own satisfaction, I will try again. And again and again. So I get up every morning wanting and needing to create perfection and am mortified if life gets in my way with a leaking water heater, a power outage, or if business matters require my attention.

Aristotle said: Art completes what nature cannot bring to finish. The artist gives us knowledge of nature's unrealized ends.

The image above is Moss ©2008, Acrylic & Mixed Media on Museum Board, 17 x 12". For information about any of the paintings on this site, please email Joan.