Friends are Electric

To question the purpose of art is necessary. If art exists for its own sake then it has no use or meaning. If art exists for the critic then, again, it has no use or meaning.

The purpose of art is to express the feelings of society, or a subset of it, in a creative form. Not to show off technical skill. Not to flaunt ability. Technical ability may produce beautiful product, but that product is devoid of meaning.

Choose the flawed image of truth over the perfect image of nothing.

If, without degree or training, you cannot be moved by a work, it has no value. Appriciation of the brushwork or the sound does not constitute movement. Appreciation of technical skill is irrelevant to the meaning of work. The most meaningful and moving of works are often those which lack professional skill.

Of course, genius with technical skill exists. Just be aware of where technical skill ends and genius begins, and do not confuse the former for the later.

The meaning of art of all forms is to reflect upon the world around us, to provide a mirror into the proverbial soul. The purpose is not to be a literal mirror, reflecting all seen with perfect detail.

To the citizen, enjoying arts: be wary of the meaning.

To the artist: forget the critic, true validation begins in the citizen.