inspiration

Inspiration. Persistence. Expectations.

Posted by kbs

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.)

musicians

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?

muralist

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.

I Need Help

Posted by kbs

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.

illustration by Adobe Firefly
See Page 2 for illustration credit.

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.

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