In the Preface of my next book HOPE, I explain how I arrived at that title. A companion to that could be INSPIRATION. I keep asking, “Why and how does Art provoke us? What is its purpose and value? What do artists expect?” (Don’t get me started on Managing Expectations.)
Today Mary invited me to go hear a guitar duo play at a club just off Lake Street. It was 10:30 AM on a Sunday and the two of us were the only audience. Were the musicians disappointed? I was surprised, but welcomed the intimacy. We sat next to the stage.
Both were mid-career, very talented and their music was magical. Their inspiration was contagious. Was playing their purpose and reward? They were in a groove. We applauded loudly and even chatted with them between sets. Did they continue playing to an empty room after we left?
On leaving, we walked to her car down an alley where we came upon a young artist finishing a large mural, ten feet by maybe 50 feet. I had a recurring reaction. Who was going to see his hard work in an alley, in this part of town? We talked to him. He said his was just one of some 25 murals that had been created this week as part of a Mural Festival. Jake was young, very talented, and committed. The mural was impressive. He seemed gratified. I congratulated him, got his name and am now following him on IG.
Those two encounters illustrate the questions I have about artistic expectations and commitment. A less ambiguous experience is hearing the 96 year old pianist Cornbread Harris.
Late Sunday afternoons, he plays an infectious New Orleans rhythm and blues at a Dive Bar on our former Skid Row. He gets a decent audience of maybe forty regulars. Note the number of musicians backing him (above). At 96, I don’t question why Cornbread plays. The other eight musicians must be playing for love. They pass the hat for contributions. There is no cover, no drink minimum but it is a magical experience for everybody. Creativity is an addiction.