Art for Art's sake

An artist first and foremost is a dreamer, and it is his or her manifestation of the thought process that is represented in his/her art, whether it may be visual or auditory; or for that matter any other form of expression.However for the longest period of time I never could understand what motivated an artist - it surely couldnt be money since for every Warhol there would be a million others struggling to eke out an existence. Yet, for the most part they seem to be quite a contended lot, which is quite an oxymoron in this capitalist crazed world. Even more so, I love to have them around as my friends, being capable of engaging in pretty interesting conversations ranging from the 'pirouette of a ballarina' to the 'bold brush strokes of a Van Gogh' - far better than the latest technology buzz which surrounds nearly all technology centric folk.

And although a number of us dismiss their efforts by far less than a passing glance for many an artist the final product is the fruit of hours and years of painstaking effort spent honing an act which in its final stage seems almost effortless to the rest of us minions. Ever realise that even the great Michelangelo spent seven painstaking years of back-breaking labor to create the fresco which adorns the Sistine Chapel to this day or the sweet melody from a Yo Yo Ma performance did not result from overnight magic.

Maybe I am not cut out to be an artist, maybe I cannot appreciate the fine nuances and interpretations of modern art, but what I do know and appreciate is the labor behind it, the total commitment to perfect and further an art form for the singular purpose of raising human conciousness; to provide a beautiful sight to behold to sore eyes and praise the single minded determination behind the whole effort. And for this gift - I applaud thee.