Art leads the way
I recall lengthy discussions in college and graduate school about the question of whether art leads or follows. My suspicion has always been that it does both. Who defines art? Historically, have quilts been the canvas of artists, primarily women, or practical craft projects. I recall reading that quilt patterns preceded much of the art attributed to mostly male artists who primarily used canvas and paint instead of scraps of material and thread as the medium.
I visited Estonia with my friend Vilja just prior to the fall of the Soviet Union. I had seen examples of paintings by Estonian artists in her home. In Estonia, where poverty and neglect then dominated the public and private life of its citizens, I saw sculptures made of used munition parts and I saw many paintings. Although I did not get to attend the song fest, I was acutely aware of rich history of Estonian music. At a time when one could not get even the basics in food, medicine and other essentials one could always get fresh flowers. No matter where one looked there were hints of the power of art in all its forms. This was profoundly evident in the mood and attitude of the people. Unlike many of those who have long been the victims of dominating oppression I found smiles framing open hearts and minds. I had already seen this life dance in Vilja and her father, Rudy, who always managed to celebrate life without denying its hardships and heartaches.
If I search Amazon for a list of Estonian music for sale I get 31 pages. If I goggle Estonia I get many hits covering Estonian art in all its forms as well as links to articles about its leadership in nearly all areas including its leadership as a digital republic. Vilja shared with me an article in the December 18-25th issue of The New Yorker entitled “Estonia, the Digital Republic – Its government is virtual, borderless, blockchained, and secure. Has this tiny post-Soviet nation found the way of the future?”
I eagerly read the article and soon learned of some of the innovative approaches to both protecting borders of information, physical borders and making government, medical care and other transactions as cost effective and painless as possible.
The Oxford dictionary defines art as “The expression and application of human creative skill and imagination, typically in a visual form, such as painting or sculpture, producing work to be appreciated primarily for their beauty or emotional power.”
It occurs to me that Estonian art is both a medium and the metaphor for the passion and determination of the Estonian people to forge their own destiny while, at the very same time, celebrating its leadership role in all areas of life. My personal and, yes, limited exposure to Estonia has always suggested to me that the people of Estonia are less likely than many of us to confuse tools which facilitate how we live together with the goal of living together.
In certain countries, including the United States, when funding is limited, the first cuts are often to all art programs. I suspect that this decision has long term, negative effects on the ability of a country to creatively approach its many challenges.
It may be that we need to rethink the connection between the arts and the ability to approach the future with creativity and openness. Anyone can learn to copy an object or play notes, but art emanates from deep within the soul. Punishment, military might, and neglect of the 99% do not emanate from the soul.
Written February 17, 2018
Jimmy F. Pickett
I recall lengthy discussions in college and graduate school about the question of whether art leads or follows. My suspicion has always been that it does both. Who defines art? Historically, have quilts been the canvas of artists, primarily women, or practical craft projects. I recall reading that quilt patterns preceded much of the art attributed to mostly male artists who primarily used canvas and paint instead of scraps of material and thread as the medium.
I visited Estonia with my friend Vilja just prior to the fall of the Soviet Union. I had seen examples of paintings by Estonian artists in her home. In Estonia, where poverty and neglect then dominated the public and private life of its citizens, I saw sculptures made of used munition parts and I saw many paintings. Although I did not get to attend the song fest, I was acutely aware of rich history of Estonian music. At a time when one could not get even the basics in food, medicine and other essentials one could always get fresh flowers. No matter where one looked there were hints of the power of art in all its forms. This was profoundly evident in the mood and attitude of the people. Unlike many of those who have long been the victims of dominating oppression I found smiles framing open hearts and minds. I had already seen this life dance in Vilja and her father, Rudy, who always managed to celebrate life without denying its hardships and heartaches.
If I search Amazon for a list of Estonian music for sale I get 31 pages. If I goggle Estonia I get many hits covering Estonian art in all its forms as well as links to articles about its leadership in nearly all areas including its leadership as a digital republic. Vilja shared with me an article in the December 18-25th issue of The New Yorker entitled “Estonia, the Digital Republic – Its government is virtual, borderless, blockchained, and secure. Has this tiny post-Soviet nation found the way of the future?”
I eagerly read the article and soon learned of some of the innovative approaches to both protecting borders of information, physical borders and making government, medical care and other transactions as cost effective and painless as possible.
The Oxford dictionary defines art as “The expression and application of human creative skill and imagination, typically in a visual form, such as painting or sculpture, producing work to be appreciated primarily for their beauty or emotional power.”
It occurs to me that Estonian art is both a medium and the metaphor for the passion and determination of the Estonian people to forge their own destiny while, at the very same time, celebrating its leadership role in all areas of life. My personal and, yes, limited exposure to Estonia has always suggested to me that the people of Estonia are less likely than many of us to confuse tools which facilitate how we live together with the goal of living together.
In certain countries, including the United States, when funding is limited, the first cuts are often to all art programs. I suspect that this decision has long term, negative effects on the ability of a country to creatively approach its many challenges.
It may be that we need to rethink the connection between the arts and the ability to approach the future with creativity and openness. Anyone can learn to copy an object or play notes, but art emanates from deep within the soul. Punishment, military might, and neglect of the 99% do not emanate from the soul.
Written February 17, 2018
Jimmy F. Pickett
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