What I love about art, and painting in particular as my fave medium, is that in and ideal world it is without borders! It is open to anyone, non elitists, non heirachical, non divisive!
Children’s artwork is often fresher and freer than adults. Primitive art (ie untrained artists who make art anyway) is gaining recognition.
All expression has merit and meaning. The so called amateur ie the untrained, part time, the beginner is as much an artist as the more experienced or technically capable.
Why? Because we all have meaning. Life has meaning. Art is art! Life is life! Art is a visible creative expression of living energy. My life is no more or less worthy than yours or vice versa.
I see art as a potential route to healing as well as a way to gain direction, confidence, inspiration and meaning for this short and beautiful life…
I wrote the above a month ago on my facebook page. In the last couple of days two things have happened which support my belief that art has an important role to play to promote well being within the community and create unexpected friendships.
Firstly, a local artist was inspired by the facebook post so much so that she has decided to put together an exhibition for the people she teaches at the community centre. An exhibition to celebrate their work. Fantastic idea!
Secondly, a local retired minister who was passionate about drawing and painting and whom I encouraged by inviting him to exhibit in three or four exhibitions a few years ago, unexpectedly bequeathed me his art materials. I feel so touched by this gesture and thought I would write this post to celbrate his thoughtfulness, having just returned from his funeral. His actions confirm to me the importance of including people and celebrating their passion and efforts. It means a lot to people to be part of things.
My musing from today is that inclusivity in art and the arts is more important than ever. By including people we are doing good in ways that we can’t begin to imagine!
I have further ideas for group exhibitons. Do I have the energy and support to put them into action, I wonder?
Much love
Kirsten
