Sida and Morning Glory. Color pencil and micron pen by Linzy

Before we get into the discussion about the importance of art, let me tell you about my first encounter with a young individual who didn’t understand the concept of art. I have a Qveen Herby shirt that I love and says ”Stop Scrolling” on the front and the back “We Need Your Art” in big bubble letters. (If you don’t know who Qveen Herby is, give her a listen and a follow, her music is so dope and empowering !) Now this is up for interpretation because anything can be art. So, I was walking out of the grocery store and this young individual read the back out loud “We need your art?” and I was like “yep” with a smile and he said “What does that mean?” I was pretty insensitive at the time because I just felt like everyone knows what art is, like it’s not a foreign thing, but for some it is. Since drawing and painting are my mediums, I asked him if he did that. He said “No, I don't understand the concept of art.” I told him “Art can be anything, drawing, science, or even math. It’s creating the idea from your imagination” “I still do not understand, like I don't get it, I’m an observer” him said “that in itself is also art, skills to analyze… , ” he just shrugged and took off. I was baffled, how could a person his age not know what art is? After this experience and finding out how common it was and hearing about schools taking away art programs as curriculum, I have to share the power of art.

Art to me is an outlet that helps express emotion and ideas by creating an artwork that can represent the light and dark in life allowing expression from within to be shown on canvas. So, it does surprise me to meet someone, who has never understood the concept of art, maybe they have and just didn’t know it…

Art has been a way for people to express and show their perspective on society or their personal world, whether it be something sacred, a visual of everyday life or things, to a day in court. Art is all around us, the influences and inspirations it gives is breath taking. Artists like Van Gogh, Jackson Pollock, John Lennon, Prince, Banksy, Qveen Herby or Yamz World and so any more just to name some have had a perspective on something… life, love, and moments beyond our understanding. Artist help us understand what could be or what is. Art isn't just making something pretty, it’s a way of life to express in whatever medium you choose. Artists may steal ideas from other artists and make it different from the original idea, I call that inspiration. Then there are people who steal the idea straight up with no difference or crediting to the OG artist, that is stealing and it’s become too common. Art is to experience the artists vision and it’s all up for interpretation by the viewer. This allows us to process in critical thinking, which I feel has gotten away from some and then sometimes have no idea what art is and how powerful it is for the soul.

Look, I've been doing art for a long time, some of it is good and most of it is terrible but doing this helps in a way where one can cope with emotional stagnation, mental illness, and other setbacks because you can always grab a pen and paper, draw anything, write out those words, or dance. You never know, it might just be your next idea and it’s a way to let go of your worries and concerns and to be in the present moment.

If art wasn't important and we took it away the lack of imagination, resilience, independence, and critical thinking are out the window. We need perspective to get insight in the things we don't understand. Although, plenty of ideas have come to life by so many innovative people, we can still create something wonderful even when we're playing with your favorite medium, what you create next may really speak to ones soul. We are a creative species, we have the power of thought, form and structure that gives creativity just by thinking about it and applying it into creating the work we want to see in the world. So like Qveen Herby says, “Stop Scrolling, We Need Your Art” but for the sake of the blog come back for more creative ideas, inspirations and insight in all things art.

Hasta Luego!

Linzy

The Power of Art and its Importance to Society