John Jensen on tue 4 sep 01
The man who works in my shop with me four days a week is also a musician, so
we spend a lot of time talking about art stuff. Today he was talking about
how he feels about paintings...that when he finds one he likes it like being
with someone he loves. Seems like a good measure or operational definition
of art: It gives you the same feelings that being in love does.
John Jensen, Mudbug Pottery
mudbug@toad.net www.Toadhouse.com
vince pitelka on tue 4 sep 01
> Seems like a good measure or operational definition
> of art: It gives you the same feelings that being in love does.
John -
I hate to seem such a curmudgeon, but this again severely limits what art
can be. It is certainly possible for a work of art to affect us as you
describe above, and it is quite wonderful when that happens, but that is
just one possible powerful reaction to art. Remember that appreciating art
has nothing to do with whether or not we like the work or would want it
hanging over our sofa. Looking at a painting by Anselm Kieffer or Sue Coe I
cannot imagine feeling like I am in love, and yet they provide a very
powerful experience. Some great works of art illuminate the most disturbing
aspects of human nature, and we might be powerfully affected and completely
horrified simultaneously.
Best wishes -
- Vince
Vince Pitelka
Appalachian Center for Crafts
Tennessee Technological University
1560 Craft Center Drive, Smithville TN 37166
Home - vpitelka@dtccom.net
615/597-5376
Work - wpitelka@tntech.edu
615/597-6801 ext. 111, fax 615/597-6803
http://www.craftcenter.tntech.edu/
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