Normally adjusted people would be puzzled by what I put myself through trying to learn how to post pictures & graphics to NOTH. It was a mess. And it’s not just technical things that baffle me; truth is, I don’t know much about anything. This probably explains why I’ve spent my life studying literature and music. People can do this when they lack the basic skills to function effectively in real life. You can make it in the world of academics and arts, but it can be rough getting through a day in the real world. I often fight with inanimate objects...and I usually lose. My favorite cartoon character is Jon Arbuckle, a nerdy klutz in the Garfield comic strip, whose transcendental ineptitude makes me feel good about myself.
I’m a writer, poet, classical pianist and composer because these are the only things I do well enough to enjoy doing. I’ve heard it said that artists tell us truth about life and about ourselves. But I wonder—does feeling strongly about things and having the ability to express these feelings artistically give us special insights that we can pass on to others? And what would make these insights true or even meaningful?
Years ago, to meet thesis requirements for a degree in fine arts, I wrote a collection of poetry, for which I composed music in the tradition of French Art Songs. Looking at the book now, I see it sitting on a shelf as if it were a plaid rhinoceros: Interesting to look at, but what purpose does it serve?
Often, to provide a rationale for my art, I remind myself of something Keats wrote: “Truth is beauty, beauty truth,” and that’s all we need to know.
We surround ourselves with products of creativity--music, drama, books, photos, paintings, sculpture, crafts. These things must be very important to us. Our home is vibrant, alive with examples of needlework, crocheting, paintings, ceramics, glassware, crystal, and bookcases. We listen to music and watch movies. We're grateful to those who create the art we enjoy. Our lives would be empty without them. A special thanks to Jim Davis, who created Jon Arbuckle.
