What is Art?
Been going through some discussion on what art is with Greg (my lecturer) in my critical thinking for musicians module. The text that we used is based on 3 chapters from a book “What Is Art?” written by Leo N. Tolstoy, supposedly a very influential person who was part of the Russian Revolutions.
Honestly, I don’t remember many things in the 3 chapters because things just happen so fast and before i know it i have to start asking question about the next readings. I really dislike this because it forces me to get going with the readings of the next and I find myself unable to ponder more. Well maybe i can, but that requires discipline which usually i would not because of the immense rehearsals and practices. However just for this week, i find the questions raised particularly vital and i wish to spend more time on them and archive my reflections and questions here, after spending 2 hours after the lecture thinking and reading the Bible.
Some of the conclusions drawn from the readings: if art were art, then they must meet the following three requirements: 1. Infection 2. Sincerity 3. Clarity. Greg contrasted the works of Eric Clapton’s and Michael Jackson. Eric Clapton’s “Tears In Heaven” was indeed a work of art because it was sincere in bringing out the emotions he had with regards to a loss of a young son. Michael Jackson’s work was infectious but it wasn’t sincere and therefore is not art. This i don’t quite understand. Can a work be able to affect or infect somebody’s emotions but the composer isn’t sincere at all? Also, how it porn different from an art work that has elements of nudity? Both are Infection, Sincere, and obviously clear. If porn is not art because it degrades the human, how do we know that art paintings of this kind will not cause a person to have impure thoughts?
The climax of the class came when Greg asked us if $48,000 spent on us is worth it in our studies when the money could better be used to save 2 or 3 patients who need heart transplants. It seem as if nobody has an answer, or maybe everyone was just like me, preferring to keep quiet in class. I really hate to speak in class, though i am trying very hard to do so. Also, i heard that my lecturer is mormon and there might be ideas that are conflicting. O how i wish that God will give me the ability to speak up.
As much as i came to the conservatory to study with my teacher, i do not aspire to be like him, at all. I would like to work on what is given me in percussion skills and improve them to the next level and beyond. However, i do not see myself winning an orchestra position and going on teaching, with the goal of earning more than enough money to spend on things that i may or may not need and prepare for retirement. Maybe most people don’t really care about making a name for themselves in this world; all we want is to have a good job, a good paycheck, maybe teach music in a well known conservatory, have a outstanding wife, have some children, nice car, nice house, and die a fast and not painful death. To me, that is a wasted life. I have no desire in that and yes i know the cost includes not having a big paycheck. I feel sorry for the life of my teacher now and i know only one person can change him.
This doesn’t mean i do not have aspirations. I hope to one day bring the gospel around the world by means of music. Maybe go band touring, engaging youths with songs by click 5 and goo goo dolls and sharing with them the gospel that saves. Understanding that there is nothing i can do to save them, but to only proclaim the truth faithfully and fearlessly. I am thankful to God for artists like Steven Curtis Chapman and Keith and Kristyn Getty, Stuart Townend who are writing good songs, incorporating sound theology into interesting harmonic progressions, rhythmic interplay, orchestration and the like. If there are any artists who i want to be, i would want to be like them. Yet, I want to find that individual mission that God has given me in this life and live it out loudly. Not that my name will be known but that the saving gospel can be preached to all, and with proper follow up, some might come to know and receive the gift of eternal life and be disciples of Christ. That Jesus Christ be magnified as the eternal and incomparable infinite worth in my life.
The $48K saved might save 3 lives for maybe another 70 to 80 years, or a little more. Spent on my life in the conservatory, by the grace and mercy that God gives, I bring the news of lives that will be saved forever. This, done with the skills and proficiency i learnt with regards to music and incorporating them with the doctrines of grace. It will sound foolish to some, but “God is most glorified in us when we are most satisfied in Him” (John Piper), especially in the midst of loss. Cast not an eye on the riches of this world, if we have enough to eat and wear, we should be content.
I look forward to the joy of suffering, if God willing, that i might be counted worthy to endure together with Him. My only concern now is that I, in my sinful state, is doing this out of my own glory, and thinking that I’m doing it for God. Well, isn’t that how 911 happen? (Art, as Stockhausen says!) May the Lord have mercy on me and graciously give me the clear thought to change my mind in understanding truths, affecting my heart and emotions, and that my will will be in line with His. Friends please pray for me with me in this area.
O what greater artist can there be except God our Father, the creator of art.
