the necessity of art

“Art is so necessary. Paintings, literature, music and fashion—all so necessary, so integral to the human experience.”

My favourite museum visits are often the most spontaneous. They lack intentionality (but not enthusiasm) and are often spurred by mindless city strolls and a jumbled brain. Somehow, I arrive at the doors of what feels like a newfound land—every time. It’s quite similar to that feeling of (re)discovering a song. Or the way well-developed prose can give birth to a whole world in your mind.

If it wasn’t clear, I LOVE art.

I love the ambience of museums, the synergy of music and the temerity of fashion. It all speaks to a part of the human existence that yearns to connect with what is beautiful, confusing and affirming.

At the very least, we need oxygen, water, food and rest.

But all throughout our existence is evidence of our attempts to convey our internal being and to consume that which can satisfy our need for art. King Solomon penned some of the most beautiful poetry known to man, Vincent Willem van Gogh created over 800 oil paintings and this masterpiece of a song will probably go down in history for obvious reasons.

Truly, the inherent human desire to create and enjoy creation reveals a connection to a Creator beyond ourselves.

For the first time in…forever, I allowed myself to put away trivial things and to settle into a moment with nothing besides a reference, music and a blank canvas. Admittedly I was overwhelmed. There is a stark difference between being a consumer and being a creator. The latter requires an energy and focus far more active and intentional.

Creating, especially to the untrained hand and the untrained mind, can be messy. It can be heaped with uncertainty—not knowing where what goes or how it goes. Time, words and sounds can become obstacles instead of tools for your making.

However, in all this discomfort and uncertainty, there will eventually be a sense of peace—the kind that invigorates and propels you to continue to make complete whatever it is that you find to do.

However art manifests in your world, find the time to take it in. In a way it will nourish you; in a way it will inspire you.

<3