Seeing Art in the World around us

I believe that the practice of art changes how an individual sees the world. Before writing this article, I couldn't quite put pen to paper- or finger to keyboard, in this case- to explain how I think this works. I tried to see the element of expression in art; the translation of what we see into an output someone else can understand. Maybe it's a way of distributing a particular viewpoint? Maybe, this "sharing" of creativity can alter how onlookers see society?

Somehow this fairly complex explanation doesn't seem to fully fit my theory of how art changes perspectives. When we begin to transform life around us into artistic concepts, we open up a novel of chapters. Our own books with words we've written, personal manners of looking at the world. But we can't open this novel of vision without opening our minds to what art is. And more specifically in this article, what first steps we can take to see this art daily within our lives.

I have a few friends with what I like to affectionately call "robot brains". They think analytically, work in logical steps and plans- and half of the time they are doing some kind of computational contemplating about their day. To me, I see their minds working like clockwork and even they admit they prefer to see things as they are; not as what their imaginations conjure up.

Their inclination towards this form of thought process may influence their lifestyle decisions, such as career paths. They may prefer a field of science and technology, medicine or law. It does not mean they are devoid of artistic interest, however. Some of my robot-brain friends literally carry art with them, drawing manga in their free periods at college; taking carefully-constructed Instagram photos of their food and clothes, exploring compositions through image-editing apps.

These are artistic talents in their own right- even sometimes developed by their talent of methodical thinking.

Academic paths do not affect the ability to explore creativity. It doesn't matter what educational background or social class you come from, you have the capability to see art just as much as the person next in line. The subjectivity of art allows it to be open to all interpretations, regardless of how you think.

A few decades ago, artists conventionally stuck to one art form. Today we are free to explore however many we like. Freelance artists often practise multiple arrangements, a singing photographer or a street performer; people painting pictures while telling stories. From all upbringings and experiences, it's never too late to start practicing art. Whether it's an abstract form or a conventional form of art, to see and develop it one only needs to examine the world through a fresh pair of eyes.

To "see" art:

First LOOK.

Then SEE.

And finally, THINK.

Until next time!

Love and light,

Isis

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