I am greatly enjoying a book called “The Mission of Art” by Alex Grey, a New York based visionary artist. I especially enjoyed what he had to say about Art and the Soul.
“Art is communion of one soul to another, offered through the symbolic language of form and content. An artist creates a sensible form, through harmonious use of the medium (paint, clay, music, and so on), which expresses content, by subject and feeling. We absorb metaphysical sustenance from the balance of formal means and expressive ends. Art expands the appreciator’s consciousness by providing a glimpse into the hearts and minds of strange beautiful humanity. Art is nutrition for the Soul. The soul cannot thrive on junk food.
Many artists develop technical skills – they can draw, paint, or play an instrument – but seem to have little that is fresh, original, or worthwhile to say. Other artists really have something important to express but lack the skills or courage to express it. Rare is the artist with skill who offers a significant statement.
The only way to formal inventiveness and technical ability is to work and work, studying and perfecting the craft. Artists discover unique features of their medium that contribute to actualizing their personal vision. A well-crafted work of art requires discipline. Devotional labor lavished on a work of art radiates love and care to the viewer.”
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