Sue left what was, for me, a thought provoking comment recently. "Being actively engaged in the world is an anti-aging activity." So then my mind started churning, when going down into my studio alone to paint, "I am working for world peace. I am ending the crisis in the Middle East when I paint alone in my studio, stopping global warming when I paint alone in my studio, ending the possibility of another World War when I paint alone in my studio." And I do believe this.
Painting, and all the arts, are not at their best as social statements alone. They work on a deeper level, affect people in unseen, unspeakable ways. They are a necessity for a decent society. Artists work not for the money alone but for the money to be able to continue making their art. Art is a profound element of communication.
And I can only remind myself over and over now as the mounting cost and stress of fixing the criminal mistakes of the original builder of my house continues: I’m lucky to have such a beautiful house in this amazing setting and to be able to be making paintings here. It could be much worse.
Posted by leya at April 29, 2006 03:13 PMLately, I have been feeling the opposite - I paint alone and I create these images that could fuel a lot a tension in the world. It is such a burden to think about, so draining. They communicate, but to what end?
Can you file suit against the builders?
Posted by: Jackie at April 29, 2006 06:12 PMJackie, if you just keep painting, I believe the answer to what you want to communicate works itself out. The images which may seem negative to you may actually inspire people to look towards more peaceful solutions to the world tensions. Maybe that is what end you are seeking.
It's been ten years since my house was built and, knowing them as I do, the people who did it probably don't have any money to spare anyway. At least they are aware of it and legitimately upset. And I hope they are more contientious in the future.
Posted by: Leya at April 30, 2006 09:34 AM