Beauty by Design
Whether by design in architecture, colour in painting, costuming and music in opera, ballet, harmony and melody in music, or perfection of form in sculpture, it is the quality of beauty that determines its success and appreciation.
Many seem to believe that ‘beauty is in the eye of the beholder’ but this leaves art open to all manner of interpretations that deny the ideals and standards that give any art its meaning. Granted, beauty can be considered an illusive quality but for certain ingredients that reveal its presence. These include subtle harmony, the gift of an impression that elevates the soul and spirit and an exciting revelation of a facet of intelligent understanding of the artist.
All art requires technique and skills that can be acquired only through discipline. Artists themselves must be inspired in order to hope to inspire others. This demands some order, rather than chaos in thinking and execution. This is lacking in modern art and this answers the question why we are spiritually unsatisfied by what is being created and displayed for our anticipated appreciation. I suggest most art loving viewers suffer serious disappointment.
It is a reality that the quality of beauty can be injected into subject matter that in itself is not the focus and designed intent of the artist. This is shown in many classical works showing us the beauty of light invading darkness, or showing us hope in the eyes of the suffering. So we know that in spite of limited material subject matter, a skilled artist can transport us into the light of a soul, a scene or a living form be it animal, vegetable or mineral – enough to stir our wonderment about life itself.
However, those who distort their subject matter, twist design from its order, and darken rather than reveal the light, betray their role as artists and reveal their urgent personal need for psychological assistance to adjust their personality, their dark thoughts and ugly tendencies that urge them to foist horror and distortion upon others.
Whatever human life demonstrates and moves us to recreate on canvas, music, sculpture or architecture, and express through song, dance or the written word it will be a poor reflection of the inspired vision or idea. But if it touches others to stir a sensory, or cerebral satisfaction enough to enrich them in some manner, it will be deemed worthwhile.
Both idealism and material realities have always had to co-exist and when twinned in a harmonious manner in the nature of the artist, have been responsible for creations of enduring greatness.
Leave a Reply