Art's Purpose As Therapy?

I was very interested in listening to Jian Ghomeshi' show on Q the other morning. The show featured a compelling lively debate between U.K philosopher Alain de Botton and Canadian writer RM Vaughan. It was a very engaging debate, however I wasn't convinced but RM Vaughan.

I believe each individual's perspective regarding this debate, is relative to what our personal philosophy and experience is, and how this relates to art. Art has a higher purpose I believe, because we are human beings, who almost innately long for meaning, and a higher purpose in life. We don't live in a vacuum nor does art. Art is about communication in my opinion, and emotional language, an exchange between the one who creates the art and the viewer who may or may not choose to interact with the art. Art is complex yes, I don't believe is that mysterious nor does it need to be.

Although I respect, appreciate, understand and even agree with some of the points RM Vaughan makes in his argument, in my opinion he is somewhat reactionary, and has missed the point, but this again I think is perhaps as a result of his philosophical beliefs relating to life and art, which cannot be separated. Pluralism is what is reductionist. I suspect RM Vaughan may believe in pluralism.

Suzanne Heintz - Life Once Removed

 I am always looking for interesting women artists to post about on my blog. Well have I got one for you today. Suzanne Heintz I think is brilliant. Finding artists who are both talented, creative and use humour to get their message across I particularly admire and love. Suzanne Heintz is just that kind of artist.

I am so looking forward to learning more about her tomorrow on Q CBC Radio, when Jian Gomeshi will be interviewing her. I am certain when you see her work and view the Vimeo and You Tube videos and photography she has on her site, you will agree with me.

 There is no better way to relay a message than through the use of humour and Suzanne Heintz certainly does that. Be prepared to laugh out loud.

Suzanne Heintz states in the Huff Post...

 " I thought it was high time to call this nonsense out publicly, because this notion of insufficiency is not just about me, nor exclusively about women in regards to marriage. It's about anyone whose life doesn't look the way it "should." Rarely does anyone's life turn out the way it was expected, and if by some miracle it does, what they expected isn't what they thought it was. I'm simply trying to get people to open up their minds, and quit clinging to outdated assumptions of what a successful life looks like. I want people to lighten up on each other, and themselves, and embrace their lives for who it's made them, with or without the Mrs., PhD. or Esq. attached to their name. "

                                                                                       - Suzanne Heintz

Passion, Creativity and Age

I am presently working for a lovely woman. She is an elder, very wise, and full of great passion for life. Having got to know her, I've learned she is very creative, with a high intellectual, and emotional IQ, in my opinion. Frankly, she amazes me in how motivated she is to continue to participate fully in life in a creative, and proactive way. I consider her to be a great inspiration and mentor. An example to those of us younger, and less motivated, who have much to learn about living creatively.

 Today, this got me thinking about creativity, and aging. I wondered how age affects creativity, and whether or not this is a factor, determining the increase or decrease in  our creative our process, and output. I believe it depends on the individual circumstance of each persons make-up, and character. Mostly, I think it has to do with what Ken Robinson subscribes to what creativity is, and how is works. Creativity he says is about applying our imaginations,  regardless of our age. Sir Robinson reaffirmed this in his interview on Q.

For a much more in depth video from The School of Life he gives a wonderful talk about passion that is very worth while talking the time to watch.
 

Free Art Making - The Ruche d' Art - Busy Hive of Creativity

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 Recently I have taken a break from my basket making, until I get another load of rope. I've posted my newest recycled rope basket creations.
Now I have a bit of ennui, enough to re-aquaint myself with my inner weirdo as I heard Torquil Campbell say, during his rave, on CBC's regular Radio morning show, Q.

There is something to be said about taking a break from making art or to perhaps experience some boredom in order to allow your subconscious or unconscious mind to play around with creative ideas. I have to say I am seldom, if ever bored, but I do find I have down time that helps me reassess, and take an inventory of what I've been doing, what I want to do next, or simply wait until my imagination kicks in.
It's also very important I believe, to have a change of location, and environment, to have the opportunity to engage or perhaps collarborate with other people within a creative community, to see the world through a different lens and perspective.

On Saturday, I have been invited to attend a workshop at the local library by a good friend, who is an Art Therapist. I am really looking forward to it, as I live in a rather isolated, very rural area in Nova Scotia. I can go months without any contact with others from time to time, especially in Winter, which isn't very healthy for me as an artist, who enjoys interaction with creative folks.
The Ruche d' Art is a wonderful, creative, and free outreach art making program, lauched by my friend's past professor at Concordia University, in Montreal. I've hightlighted the
posted a clip from  a CTV news program about it.