Some folks really don’t see creativity as a valuable resource, much less something necessary to society. For some reason they can’t understand why an artist should be commissioned to create his art, and they certainly think eliminating art education is O.K. However, if we took every bit of art out of that person’s life, they’d be terribly surprised at the result. It is impossible to live a life without art.
Art is all around us. It’s in both our private and public institutions. Whether the cynic believes it or not, he is emotionally affected by the presence of or lack of art. Think about it. How do you feel when you walk into an office with no art on the walls? Do you think the company is successful? Do you think they have much personality or care about you? If it’s cheap dollar store prints versus original works of art, do you feel differently? Of course you, do. Without even being aware of it, you are not only affected by the creativity of the person displaying the art, but by the artist, too. It’s almost as if art is therapy in our daily lives. Without it, we just don’t function as well.
The biggest cynic has stopped to ponder art. He may not be aware of it, but he did it. It might be an interesting new building, or a catchy magazine layout, or a photograph. Even the neon sign hanging in his favorite bar is a creative piece of work! Someone’s artistic vision inspired the sleek design of his new car. The next time, that guy says art is unimportant, ask him if he would prefer to be blind.