I've been thinking a lot lately about art and why it's important. But no matter how deep I dig, I can't seem to find an answer that is satisfying. Even though, I feel like I had an answer at one point in my life--at one point in the distant past. The answer has become lost with the introduction of widespread narcissism and the ability to create 'profiles,' presenting ourselves only in ways we want to be perceived.
Is art important merely as a process? Is it selfish? Do we create art to refine ourselves? Should we be happy...just creating art?
Or, is there always going to be some element of approval (from others) that drives creation? I would be interested to see just how many artists would continue, if their works had to remain anonymous.
Does art even need to be seen at all? What would the world be like without access to the art of others? Would we all be forced to create art ourselves--to fulfill some sort of primal necessity?
Mostly I'm unsure.
These questions just bounce around in my head all day long. The more I age and begin to define myself as an artist, the more I struggle with what it all really means. Who can be defined as a true artist? And, what is true art?
I hate that I only ask the questions without answers, while the ones that do don't interest me. I guess I can look forward to a life full of uncertainty, but certainly not lacking in intrigue.
Ilford Delta 400 // Kodak Portra 800 // Canon AE-1
