I decided to just blog instead of taking up all the comment space on WADDED PAPER (You're welcome)
I am all for the exchange of ideas and CONSTRUCTIVE criticism in an attempt to help, uplift, encourage and improve not only the "piece" but the person as well but let us not forget the purpose of "art".
Historically our "artistic" expressions had a goal/focus at the heart of it. Although it was a way of self expression it was for the purpose of reaching that goal. Like minded individuals joined to raise awareness, support, encourage, refresh, vent, etc. etc. etc. I know this because I grew up around some of the best and most famous artist in the afrikan liberation movement. I used to be at every book signing at Progressive Emporium (some times against my will lol) and many of the artist stayed in our home. As a youth I not only got the chance to read the works but sit at the feet of my elders (literally) and hear first hand the motivation behind the work. I studied the black arts movement and all that jazz. My point is..... the art was a reflections of the artist and their unique experience and expression of a common concern, issue, state of being, etc.
I look at writing as any other art form/skill it must be honed and have a PURPOSE. In addition to being entertaining it should be functional.
A good writer/artist is someone who not only captures the audience and allows them to see things from their perspective but also someone who is aware of and concerned about the reader. Someone who consciously makes the audience angry, sad, happy, horny, excited, scared and anything else you can think of. A good artist is a tour guide on the journey you are taking as you experience their art directing you where to look but at the same time letting you enjoy at your own pace. They keep in mind the goal and use their talent toward reaching it.
Most of the artist that I like are people I have met/studied, mainly because I am a person who likes the writing to be from a real life point of view even if it is fiction. Word warriors as they are often called spark those deep, sometimes primal feelings, thoughts, spirits and emotions that we often are forced to hide.
As I bring my tangent to a close I would just like for there to be more substance in art these days, more spirit, more power. I would like for it to be used as the tool it is and not just to take up time while tipsy,bored, horny, lonely or high. Our history did not start with slavery or end with hip-hop. It is a continuum so lets elevate as we express
There is such power and beauty in what words and thoughts can bring forth
What is the purpose of your "art"?
1 comment:
I feel the same way about art. If I am a part of a tradition, then I'm likely directly influenced by conscious hip hop and the black arts movement. I have to admit that I missed much of the Progressive Emporium days. I only knew about it from word of mouth. Everything that I do know comes from talking to elders and reading or listening to their works. Thanks for this post. It reminds me of my place in art criticism and art.
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