The Artist’s prerogative

I came across a statement in an old book that I wonder might have been forgotten in our post modern art world:

“It is the artists’ prerogative to reveal the beauty of common things to those who havn’t noticed”.

And here are two other quotes that I’ve had pinned up on the study wall (to keep me line!):
from Maya Angelou:
“A bird doesn’t sing because it has an answer, it sings because it has a song”.

From Agnes Martin:
“Painting is not about ideas or personal emotion. Paintings are about freedom from the cares of this world, from worldliness. All art work is about beauty.”

I know it’s said that beauty is “out of fashion” in the art world, but I think it is not out of fashion in our lives, in our homes, workplaces and hospitals.

Your aim may be to make art that protests,

that shouts “This is Terrible”:

or is about the process,

or the medium

or beauty!

All are valid aims…I don't think we need to elevate one over (or under) the other, but we do need to strive to make something that lasts and holds true for a lot of people and for a long time.

And, if you have been, thanks for reading!! Elizabeth
PS. Picasso, Nick Ut, Collingwood (who sadly just died), Voulkos (photograph by Noel Allum), Turner.