NPR’s program All Things Considered had a very interesting interview with artist Mary Frank yesterday. The best part came at the end when Frank listed her ideas about the functions of art. I’ve broken down what she said into bullet points. You can read more at NPR.
(Mary Frank)… “says she's constantly revising her notion of what art is and how it speaks to people. For Frank, art has myriad functions:
• to comfort the dead
• awaken the living
• to know the migration seasons of birds and fish
• to know the human immigrations of the past
• and right now to be able to use experiences and transform them
• to make the eyes of children widen
• to give courage
• and never be afraid of tenderness or the absurd
• and to gather joy”
-Mary Frank, Artist
I particularly like, "to gather joy."
5 comments:
Thank you for this wonderful list from Mary Frank. I'm off to see what else I can learn about her.
My heart quickens as I read the list. I think my art has done some of these things already; widen the eyes of children and has given comfort. And maybe that is the beauty and/or simplicity of art. Thanks for sharing. Wishing you a continued creative year!
I agree with you about "to gather joy." I like to believe that the joy and connection I feel when drawing makes me more pleasant to live with and that my joy is contagious. The art and the experience of making art can gather and distribute joy.
Thanks for posting that list.
I like the whole list, which foe me comes down to..."just let the art be what it is".
Ronell
This is wonderful - isn't NPR great! I'm going to try and find the program and have a listen this afternoon on the computer.
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