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Post by Josie R. on Jan 24, 2012 2:30:24 GMT -5
I thought to get discussions going, I would ask the question, "Why do we make art"? I know as artists, we all feel the need to make art, but what is the purpose of Art.
I don't know if anyone has even seen the wonderful documentary "How Humans Made Art, and Art Made Us Human"? The DVD is available from the Hamilton library. It's a must-see, if you have ever questioned the purpose of art in society, past, present and future.
Why do you make art? What purpose do you think art serves in today's society or tomorrow's?
Let's talk. Josie
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Post by Rossana on Feb 5, 2012 20:21:45 GMT -5
I haven't seen this DVD yet but it sounds good! I'll have to try to find it at the Burlington Library. It would be interesting to see someone elses perspective on creativity. If you found "How Humans Made Art" interesting, you might want to watch the movie "Wasteland" (also avialable at the Library) about a reknowned New York Artist, Vic Munoz who "paints" garbage pickers in Rio de Janeiro with recyclable materials. It's quite the story and very uplifting. You can watch a preview of the film at www.wastelandmovie.com. Rossana Rossana
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Post by Josie R. on Feb 8, 2012 17:51:16 GMT -5
Hi Rosanna
I haven't seen the movie Wasteland, and unfortunately, it seems that the Hamilton Library system does not carry the DVD. From the preview it looks like a very interesting documentary. I'll have to see if our library will order the film.
I have watched the video, "How Humans Made Art, and Art Made Us Human" twice, and I'm sure will so again. It's purpose in the course of history is made so clear in the film. But, it truly makes you question, what is it's purpose today.
I'm excited that the education system recently changed the art curriculum, and now place an emphasis on the creative process. It's a plus for the value of art in society. They wanted to open art to all students, including those that may consider themselves to have limited artistic talent. I think it's so important for people to develop their creativity - a skill that can be applied to everything!
Have you ever read, author Daniel Pink's book, "A Whole New Mind - Why Right-Brainers Will Rule the Future"? He explains that due to automation, jobs being lost to countries that can do the work cheaper, and material abundance, the workers of the future will need different tools. It's a fantastic book - I quoted the first couple of sentences from the introduction.
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Post by Josie R. on Feb 15, 2012 9:45:34 GMT -5
Another very interesting book, that is really worth reading is written by poet/writer/spiritualist Oriah Mountain Dreamer titled, "What We Ache For: Creativity and the Unfolding of Your Soul". Has anyone ever read it?
Josie
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Post by Josie R. on Feb 15, 2012 22:23:54 GMT -5
Rossana
I just went to the "Wasteland" website. Wow. I must see it. Do you know if the Burlington Library lends/shares materials with the Hamilton Library system?
Josie
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Post by Rossana on Feb 18, 2012 14:45:29 GMT -5
Josie,
I haven't read the books you've mentioned but I'll have to look for them. I did try to find the DVD "How Humans make Art" at the Burlington Library but they don't carry it. I'm pretty sure they have a reciprocal agreement with the Hamilton Library for requesting material so I'll try that the next. I'm sure you'll be able to do the same on your end. I'll let you know if I'm successful!
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Post by Josie R. on Feb 28, 2012 0:49:11 GMT -5
Rosanna
I must thank you, for turning me on to the movie "Waste Land". I love the power that some movies have, to touch you so deeply, make you uncomfortable, and either question ideas you had formed or reinforce ideas that you have. I was initially uncomfortable seeing the "garbage pickers" living in such conditions. But, within a short period of time, you look beyond the garbage, the dirt, the smell that you imagine, and feel tremendous respect for these people. They have dignity. They have chosen to work, work very hard, over opting for living by their wits, as drug dealers etc. They are helping the environment, through their recycling efforts.
What a wonderful man the artist is! The role he has taken on with his art - that he can help people less fortunate, through his art, transforming their lives and their spirit, is monumental. He got them to dream, to create, and took them away from their existance (as they knew it) and look at their life differently. I don't think it would have been so transforming, had he not had them "create" the work. A few months back, I was looking at famous quotes about art (it's one of the reasons I asked this question on the forum), I can't think of one more fitting to this film (metaphorically and literally) than Pablo Picasso's quote: "Art washes away from the soul the dust of everyday life." I think Vic, the artist, left an impression on the "garbage pickers", that will last a lifetime.
This film made me question, what role or purpose, I want my art to serve. I have asked myself this question before, but until now, have not fully realised how important it is. I guess the real question is "What is your PASSION?" or "What is YOUR world view?" I have always thought that great art, is art that is true unto oneself. Vic, the artist in the film, certainly is a great artist, and his work, is from his heart.
Recently, I've been working on getting rid of alot of "stuff". It feels good. I relate to what the artist spoke of, having too many things - too many material possessions. It's another interesting thought that the movie brings to light. I have difficulty with "consumerism" ( in fact I have been playing with the idea of doing a series of paintings/collages on that theme).
"To send light into the darkness of men's hearts - such is the duty of the artist." ~Schumann
Thanks again, Rosanna.
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Post by Josie R. on Mar 5, 2012 19:45:04 GMT -5
Rossana (and to all reading the posts)
In my effort to purchase the documentary, How Humans Made Art and Art Made Us Human, I discovered that I had the title wrong - that is the subtitle. It's actually called, "How Art Made the World". So if you are looking to rent it from the library, and haven't been successful - well, that could be why.
Josie
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Post by Josie R. on Mar 6, 2012 17:43:01 GMT -5
Hi Rossana I just googled "How Art Made the World", and found a link to the film www.pbs.org/howartmadetheworld. I think you will find it very interesting - truly the history of art. Could say the "Birth of Art" and "The Life of Art". Parts of the film are also on YouTube. Apparently it was aired over the course of 5 weeks on PBS a number of years back, so perhaps some of the artists in the group may have been lucky to have seen it. Would love to hear from anyone if they have. Josie
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Post by Rossana on Mar 9, 2012 18:35:23 GMT -5
Hi Josie,
I checked the title again at the Library and unfortunately, they don't carry it but I will try to find the You tube video and let you know what I think. I'm so glad you enjoyed the DVD "Wasteland". It was a great example of how powerful art can be in the lives of people. The artist's project had so many positive affects for the people involved and in turn he was rewarded with the joy of seeing how his work helped change their lives. It was truly an inspiring film! It left a real impression on me so I hope others get an opportunity to see it too. It's definitely worth watching!
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Post by Josie R. on Mar 13, 2012 22:39:34 GMT -5
The entire film, "How Art Made the World" can be viewed on youtube. The complete film is available in 10 minute segments. It is in English, with subtitles in another language. Be sure to see them in order. There are 5 different themes, and each is divided into several 10 minute videos. The series is quite long, I suggest you might want to watch 1 theme a sitting.
The theory on how we started making art (pictures) is really interesting (Part two titled "The Day Pictures were Born").
Looking forward to discussing the film and ideas brought forth by the film, with fellow members.
Josie
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Post by zorica on Apr 2, 2012 15:13:39 GMT -5
Hello Josie and Rossana,
I haven't watched Wasteland as of yet but I did watch How Art Made the World. It was very interesting and I thoroughly enjoyed it. I definitely would recommend it to other artists as a must watch movie. I will have to check out Daniel Pink's book. It too sounds very compelling, especially to a right-brained thinker such as myself!
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Post by Josie R. on May 10, 2012 22:43:11 GMT -5
Has anyone read any of Julia Cameron's books? (The Artist's Way, The Vein of Gold, The Prosperous Heart: Creating a Life of "Enough", etc.) She has incredible insight into how to tap into creativity, and overcome the blocks that stifle creativity. The book contains creative exercises to help unblock creativity. I have read the above 3 books, but have not worked through the exercises.... yet.There are 3 main exercises that are common in all three books. - Morning pages - 3 pages of handwritten, stream of conciousness writing (you write whatever comes to mind, unfiltered and it must be done 1st thing in the morning).
- Artist Date - Do something once a week, on your own, that stimulates you as an artist.
- Walking daily, being aware of your surroundings, but also letting your thoughts flow at the same time.
I think creativity is something that has to be exercised and practised. There are many interesting books written about creativity that I believe are really valuable for artists to read (these included). Josie
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Post by Josie R. on Jun 24, 2012 21:15:36 GMT -5
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Post by Josie R. on Sept 29, 2012 0:34:07 GMT -5
It's been awhile since I last posted on the forum. I was hoping to hear from some of the readers, it's getting difficult to keep carrying a one-way conversation with myself - I already do that at home. LOL.
Please help out, if you have something you would like to share - it would be nice to see this forum active.
Was wondering if anyone wants to share info on any good art videos, or read any noteworthy books on art/creativity recently.
Josie
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