Jan
6
2010
Art That Matters
Author: siggyI believe the art that matters is just a question of being as genuine as you can. The decision whether your art matters is really not yours but the reader. All you can do is be as honest as possible and if you were someone out there will relate to your piece. I like the definition of art that Tolstoi gave: ‘art is infection.’ There should be no doubt about what is being relayed in your written piece, whatever the feelings and it should be immediate. I came across this quote in a wonderful book on writing by Brenda Ueland, “If You Want To Write.” There is no doubt the world is full of pseudo-art. Always be as honest as you can. That is all you can do. No one likes a phony.
Tags: art, art is infection, art matters, be genuine, be honest, book on writing, Brenda Ueland, don't be phony, God, if you want to write, pseudo-art, reader, Tolstoi, writers, writing
January 7th, 2010 at 11:07 am
Siggy,
This is an insightful post. Art is in the eye of the beholder. It is not for us to determine the value of our work, but rather it is for the readers who believe in our message. Or not.
Phonies are sniffed out and tossed aside like yesterday’s stuffed cabbage rolls. If we write honestly, at least we have our integrity in tact–regardless of whether readers find artistic value in our writing.
I guess that’s why we need to seriously consider why we write…
January 7th, 2010 at 11:56 am
Cat Woods,
I wonder about my motivation for writing all the time. It is simple why I still write: it still matters. It is that simple. It still matters.
siggyscafe.com