The question persists: Why does so much mediocre art successfully infiltrate from the mainstream of so-called high art?

We understand mainstream to mean the approved of art by the powers that be.

Regardless of venue and touted quality, mediocrity in whatever form is familiar and non-threatening in a culture weaned on advertising, exploitation, the next big thing, vicarious thrills, and where technique, ideology, and shock art are mistaken for the real thing—art.

Proving this to yourself counts as a basic lesson.

In the Zen tradition, any teaching worth learning comes through intuitive feeling—not from Institutions, long winded speeches, or dialog. 

This, of course, makes sense when you realize that the same is true for great art.

No one can teach you how to be artist because no one can teach you how to be original. You must find your voice on your own.

This knowledge has great liberating power. I encourage you to use it.

Society arranges for those jobs it requires to keep the ship of state afloat.

When it comes to art, we note that the overwhelming demand is for commercial art, which is not inherently evil—unless, of course, it corrupts the artist with his own complicity.

To this scenario we add a creator compelled by his dharma to make art that has a purpose beyond the commercial—unique work that enters the world stage as an artifact of truth. 

I recently received an email from someone who was going to donate one of her kidneys for a dear friend in need.

Of course, she is the model for courage on the deepest level.

Given this apt example of self-sacrifice, how dedicated are you to your art? What is art? These are questions worth noting on a regular basis.

The art I am talking about is art that comes into being for no other reason than to be—art from the soul, art from the inner artist, which must be felt to be created, to be seen, and to be appreciated.

Art from the soul comes into being from intuition; such art by definition is transcendental to thought and doesn’t come from thinking or conceptualizing, which are cerebral pursuits. The art that concerns us here isnt a qualifier (art therapy) nor is it the object of a modifier (commercial art).

Art from the soul is art without motive. This is what is meant by that familiar and much misunderstood proclamation: art for arts sake.

Happy Thanksgiving to all!