Thoughts on the "Art Part"

" the purpose of art is washing the dust of daily life off our souls"...picasso

"Masterpieces arouse spiritual awakenings that remind us of celestial music."
"Heart is the high-road to the mind."--as quoted by some presenters at the American Heritage seminar

To quote Henrik Ibsen: "To be sure, whenever such a description is felt to be reasonably true, the reader will insert his own feelings and sentiments into the work of the poet {{ or photographer }}. These are attributed to the poet; but incorrectly so. Every reader remolds it so beautifully and nicely, each according to his own personality. Not only those who write, but also those who read are poets; they are collaborators; they are often more poetical than the poet himself. " (Thanks, Chanelle!)

"The influence of art is so powerful in shaping our lives for a higher appreciation of the creations of our God. We should be as eager for its companionship [as we are] for food to sustain our lives, for it has as important a mission in shaping our character and in conducting to our happiness as anything we term necessities. Life is incomplete without it." (John Hafen, 1856-1910)

The arts help us develop both sides of our brains, see things from different perspectives, and bring us the joy of creation.  When I taught art, I used artists like m.c. escher or Norman Rockwell, or particular works of art (photography, architecture, painting, sculpture, pottery, quilts, music)  to offer
a different look at the theme.

For instance,  I used some American art posters a friend acquired for us to use
as a basis of artistic study: to analyze, reproduce in some cases, and discuss both the technique
and the message of the artist.  Sometimes we would use two or three pieces of art to
show contrasting/similar styles/messages.

Some great articles about the effect of Art and Music:
Transformative power of art: http://www.aacu.org/liberaleducation/le-wi08/le-wi08_power_art.cfm

Family Art: by Orson Scott Card: http://www.lds.org/ensign/1977/07/family-art?lang=eng

 "The power and protection of worthy Music"--http://www.lds.org/ensign/2009/12/the-power-and-protection-of-worthy-music

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From a friend in a Vanguard group:

"I don't know how many of you are familiar with the painting shows of Bob Ross, but he's kind of the same time period as Mr. Rogers.  PBS just did a remix of his show, and it is SO great!  His painting is amazing, and I love the words to the song.

"This is your world

You're the creator

Find freedom on this canvas

Believe that you can do it

Because you can do it."

and 

"Everyday's a good day when you paint."

I hope you are inspired and enjoy this!  (just ignore his hair!!!)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YLO7tCdBVrA

It reminds me of a webinar from Williamsburg Academy I enjoyed.  Here are some of the highlights for me:

The presenter had a great quote: "Art educates us emotionally."  So true!  She also asked some great questions that will help me appreciate what society accepts as "art" for the messages it conveys: what do you feel when you initially see it?  Do you see any connections of that with the world around you?  Interesting...