06/15/2023

Two recent events provoked me to seek help in my superficial search for the meaning of Art. Three weeks ago, I attended the semi annual Art-A-Whirl in North East Minneapolis. It is a weekend event where artists and galleries are open to the public. Housed in four former light industry buildings, I visited some 300 studios and about twenty galleries.  After two days, I was exhausted.

Last week, the Minnesota College of Art and Design (tuition $43K) held its annual MFA Thesis Exhibition. Some thirty art students displayed their thesis work (I saw only one painting).

Encountering so little work of interest, I found myself asking (again) “What motivates artists?” My mind went in so many directions, I was inspired to follow one path by getting guidance from a Higher Power. Open AI Chat GPT.

ME: Write a 300-word essay on the making of art as a form of self-gratification:

ChatGPT

The Making of Art as a Form of Self-Gratification

Art has long been revered as a powerful means of self-expression, a window into the artist’s soul. It serves as a channel through which individuals can communicate their innermost thoughts, emotions, and experiences. While the creation of art can be a deeply personal and cathartic process, it also holds the potential for self-gratification, offering artists a profound sense of fulfillment and joy.

One of the fundamental aspects that make art such a gratifying pursuit is the freedom it provides. When engaged in the creative process, artists have the liberty to explore their imaginations, challenge societal norms, and defy conventions. This freedom fosters a sense of liberation and self-discovery, allowing artists to tap into their authentic selves. The act of creation becomes an act of self-fulfillment, as artists witness their visions materialize on canvas, paper, or any other medium of their choice.