The State of Art

One of my professors once had us go out and walk around campus to look at the landscaping of the “garden” area of campus. He had us look at the trees, the flowers . . . even the designs on the walls of the buildings adjacent to the garden. Then we returned to class and he asked the question; “Is that art?”

My contention was (and still is) that it is not art. He responded by saying “Really . . .” in a manner to suggest that he clearly thought I was wrong – and an idiot.

To back up my response, I explained that the ‘art’ is in the creation. Artisan’s work their ‘art’ to create ‘works of art’ and ‘artifacts.’ He soon changed the direction of the lecture, but made sure the entire class understood that it was his opinion that the garden we just turned toured was indeed ‘art.’

Whether it is art or not is irrelevant and had little to do with furthering my education in any manner whatsoever. But, this week, I have recalled that class discussion more than once.

You see, I am pretty certain that art is heading for demise.

Our world and domestic society has changed greatly in a relatively short period of time. This week, I attended the funeral of my wife’s grandfather. He was an artist. A bricklayer by trade, he constructed many works of concrete and brick art that individuals have admired and used for functional purposes for years.

Like both of my grandfathers (a farmer and a tool-and-die professional), Don mastered his craft and performed the function – the art, if you will – his entire life. He loved his chosen profession and it showed in everything that derived from his art.

Today, we change jobs almost as often as many change their underwear. A lot of times, it involves changing entire job functions – and sometimes it doesn’t even take a change of job to change functions.

Though my life, I have been a paper carrier, pizza maker, accountant, retailer, pet store employee and have worked in radio, tourism and more in addition to my current career as a financial services marketer where I have been a webmaster and product manager. That’s a lot for someone just about to turn thirty. How in the heck could I have mastered any of those arts during my short time being exposed to them?

I really started to wonder about this when I saw dozens – maybe hundreds – of photographs depicting the works of Don’s art. I could never do anything close to the masterpieces he developed. Clearly, he did so from his heart. How many of us go to our job and work from the heart? Very few; I am sure.

The state of art is sad indeed. We lack patience and heart as we continue to chase the green art mass produced by the US Treasury. And we do so without choice. Don was among the few remaining who could say he didn’t have to fall into that trap.

His work was art. Don was an artist. I was reminded one final time as we entered the cemetery. As we pulled in, we crossed between two magnificent brick entryways. There was Don’s name – engraved on his art that looked as new on that day as it did when he created it in 1983.

How much of your ‘art’ will still be around after you? I am certain that the websites I design – the brochures I write – the direct mail pieces I develop – the products I create and introduce at work; all the stuff I call art today, will be gone within days after I go.

There is no heart. There is no art.