Enriching the world through word, art and artistic creativity

Music is called the “universal language” and a picture is said to speak a thousand words with good reason.  Surely, while one may not understand another language, her or she can certainly comprehend a mood that is signified through a well-executed song or photograph! This is why art is such a powerful tool, which, if harnessed, can bring an ever-divergent world to one common accord.   When one seriously contemplates this, it doesn’t seem like such a farfetched idea.  Literary, musical and line draft forms of creativity can unveil emotions and expression that all people from all walks of life can relate to.   It is a voice that humanizes us and bridge gaps.  For this very reason we should never allow those who don’t understand man’s basic desire to create and share his creation to gain the upper hand.  Such individuals are very short sighted.  When they look at a painting they see a frame and some colored oils on a canvas.  They do not perceive the centuries of history that a subject in an oil painting can unravel.

In their black and white world only money, commerce and education that concentrates on math and sciences has any true validity.  They do not realize that by suppressing a very natural aspect of human behavior, they are stifling one of the many things that make us human. They are also squandering an opportunity to tear down the barriers that separate different cultures.  Indeed things like photography can create a tableau of human ideology and condition that can be conveyed just as strongly as an impassioned speech. Combining all the numerous powerful mediums, like illustration, music and writing can take the world by storm and finally unite it. This process may be slow and laborious, but its cause is more than worthy. 

Fran

Absolutely agree with you on this one. I am very much upset with the fact that there are simply no music lessons available in my daughter's school. This would save her much time going to her music school after classes. I personally think that art classes are much more important than some other classes.

Cleopatra

You're right, Fran. Some schools take for granted the importance of art and music. They tend to focus too much on classes that are not valuable and utterly forgettable for our children. If one finds expression in artistic works, it will allow individual to use one's creative abilities and provide insights especially in dealing with situations and people.

flint

If my memory serves me right, music is a form of art that can reach the deepest parts of a person's heart and soul. If we engrossed ourselves to music and arts, we could create a better atmosphere. I learn to appreciate music when I took photojournalism and one of my assignment was to listen to music and write about things.

Rose

The notion of music as a universal language sounds reasonable to me because it surpasses boundaries and connect people even miles apart. Just like music, art is an effective means of communication, with or without the use of the written or the spoken word. I've read in a statement saying that art plays a critical role in our lives and I definitely agree.

archangel

Imagine spending time with your friends in a bar, drinking, discussing the latest news and trends and letting your soul and body relax from work without music. I bet it's going to be boring or feeling out of place. If a music is played in the background, slowly soothing and swaying to the rhythm, you enjoy the atmosphere that is created around.

Isaac_john

Is it just me or is everyone thinks that only a few people take notice of art galleries. On many occasions, I have observed everytime there were art events occured in a mall, only a handful of people went inside an art museum while most people stayed in boutiques. If only they will look at the bigger picture. sigh.

Danielle P

You have a point. Our education nowadays focus too much with math and science. I find it so disappointing that art and music are are becoming less important. I guess you are right about people being short sighted. They have no idea that an individual may unleash an untapped potential by exposing one's self through music and art.

annie

Art and music make a big difference in how people learn. There's a great effect when a person is expose to music at a very young age because it sharpens minds, builds confidence and deepens cultural understanding. My brother is a music teacher and his motive for teaching is to engage students, and open new doors to creative thinking.

Moises214

Keeping yourself busy with music means staying away from drugs. Do you agree? I have a few friends who encouraged me to engage in music because it promotes higher self-esteem and experience fewer incidences of risky acts such as drug and alcohol abuse. I followed their advice and the result was positive. It gives me a sense of purpose in this life.

felicia

I always think that exposing people with music and art will likely carry a lower risk of violence and suicide. Poetry also makes a great role to express one's self and reminds a person that there's a better way of letting go of a thing than killing yourself. It's sad to know that people waste their lives instead of venting out their emotions in writings.

Dane Jones

I am in favor of this article. Concerned leaders should initiate art projects and workshops to some individuals. It will not only develop a person's artistic creativity and appreciation of the arts, but also stimulate reflective thinking skills and confidence in self expression. In that way, it becomes part of the personality, thus influencing and enriching a person's character.

Chapman

Some parents feel that art class is a waste of time and their child should read always for getting pretty mark in examination. But they do not know that art class gives their child all kind of feedings for perfection. Our education system should have soft corner towards art and should think over it in liberal sense.

chris

I admire your opinions, Chapman. As a parent, I'm making sure that my son will enhance his creativity, asthetic sense and concentration through art programs. Art plays a significant role in my child's development that's why I'm taking him to art classes. Using writing, music and art as medium will help young ones express themselves and will build up their confidence.

Joan of Ark

After reading this, it gives me a better appreciation for arts and music. There's a valid reason why art exist and how it will make a huge impact to someone. Introducing the world through arts will probably help individuals realize their potentials. As a result, it allows individuals to find a relationship between themselves and the lives and art of others and cultures.

Pegasus Rider

Moises214 I agree--but so many people think music and art promotes drug use--drug use is rampant in all industries not just artistic ones. I know many artists who do not drink or do drugs at all. The bad few give all the rest a bad name. Sad too that most drug use occurs in suburban areas and upper crust vocational schools...

Laureli

kids who have artistic outlets are less apt to cut themselves or commit suicide. It is almost as if we wish to push aside our very real emotional natures and concentrate on only the supposed "logical ones"... This could be why more conservative households tend to have higher rates of depression and the uses of psychotropics...

Sasha

I fear for a world that would deprive children of music and art. My greatest fear is that when the fall out occurs people still won't learn their lesson, attributing the issue to others things and trying to solve the problem with a pill...

Chelsea

Arts are very vital part in schools curriculum. Thus, they provide creative outlets for kids that may not be provided anywhere else. For this reason alone, concerned individuals should fight to keep arts in schools. However, many people don't see courses in art or dramaa academically necessary. They see them as “extras,” programs, which is disappointing.

logan

My bestfriend, who is a teacher, told me about how arts and music change the lives of her students. They lose their shyness in Drama class, others build their self-esteem in Band. Admittedly, there are some youths that don't take advantage of the school's arts programs. People must educate these young ones that taking those programs is beneficial to them.

Sue27

Yeah, arts encourage self-directed learning, helping to develop the capacity of students to strive for greater success. The problem is, of course money. These helpful programs are very expensive and parents should work very hard in order to cope up with the expenses. If you think taking your child in arts classes as an investment for your child's future, then spending money will not be a problem.

Blue-Eyes

Well, not all art programs are of high price. There are some schools offer classes that can cater to parents with low-income. Imagine that there are those young ones who participated in art programs were much more likely to be high academic achievers. if we allow art to slowly slip away from us, what will happen to the future Beethovens, Da Vincis, and Shakepeares?

savagegarden

After knowing about this article and the comments, who could argue that arts education does not promote our children and should not remain in our schools? Music and art programs add to our children’s academic progress and should be a regular part of their school curriculum. Music is associated with mathematics, patterns, and memory function. Art stimulates a part of the brain that has been linked to writing proficiency.

Laureli

This is a subject that is close to my heart--it is so magical to see little ones grow and evolve as they express themselves through art. I wish people who think art is of no consequence could see how little ones transform when they have the chance to exercise this part of themselves.

Art Angel

I am a "child of art" so to speak. After I lost my mother in a car accident, I shut down and didn't want to speak to anyone. I soon began to keep a book of poetry and I drew in the margins. I showed this t a friend of mien and she encouraged me to publish my work. Long story short, I currently make my living as a writer and illustrator.

Pegasus Rider

I had an argument with a friend of mine about this the other day--she tried to tell me that art is destructive counterculture movement and has never built anything of true lasting value--to which I told he that she should tell that to Architects--she quickly shut up. Some people are just ignorant of how art influences every aspect of our lives.

fancy nancy

Love, love, love this post! There are so may ways in which human beings can change the world and art is one of them. I think it is because art can "show" us the things we do that can affect humanity as a whole.

Shalom

In my office they let us have music at our cubicles so long as we get our work done. Since they instituted this work productivity went up by 15%--tell me that is a coincidence! LOL

Chivalry in Suspended Animation

Some very good points brought up here, but using art to bring unity is but one part of the equation. Political activism is another part of the process that can help lead mankind where he needs to go...

panthera27

I agree with Shalom. I just got lucky that I work in a friendly and easy going environment. Before I start doing my daily routine jobs, I always put my headphones and listen to my favorite music. It stimulates me and drives me to do my job. Music really gives me motivation to work and I don't know what my life would be without music.

Roberto M

It's really cool what music and art can do to a person. I saw an african kid showing off his talent in singing by just learning the song for one week. He had so much fun sharing what he knew inspite of the hunger, sickness and poverty in his homeland. Music gives him hope to make his life worth living.

Jean_Paul

I can relate to this topic. I was born and raised to a family who loves music and arts. My parents were my motivators and mentors. Today, I assisted an art club that offers art and cultural experiences for people who wish to express their artistic capabilities because I know that these indivuals desire to inspire and touch lives.

chris

This topic reminds me of my colleague. He had experienced great loss. He needed an outlet to help process those feelings. An organization of writers' guild provided that through their instruction in writing. Now, that he added that medium of his life's coping skills, he became a well known journalist and is ready to publish a novel.

revolution solution

Our world is becoming increasingly money oriented. Marriages dissolve due to financial problems and kids grow increasingly more attached to the types of things that can be bought to keep them occupied and happy. If art isn't the cure for this mess i don't know what is.

Curly Q

There are a number if reasons for the decline of the appreciation of all things artistic but the reasons are not as important as the goal of reversing it—those who love art need to seriously start thinking in terms of turning the tide…

MiSS_Anthropy

and how do you propose we do that "q"? People have become so jaded that very little moves them or compels them to action. the only time people become interested in making change or helping others is when it adversely affects themselves when they do nothing...

Cozy Dew

What Ylotana is doing is a prime example of what to do--offer something different--something the masses will want . Music has grown stale and it will take new ideas and purity of creation to entice them back...

Laureli

A hearty hi-five to Cozy Dew--people who wish to make a dent in the current artistic market have to capture the attention of people who are used to a lot of glitz and commotion--offer something different and peopel will respond.

MiSS_Anthropy

A brilliant concept—but the labels beat the indies in funding which is why they can get a radio on air and have it played five hundred times a day. How do you beat that?

Cozy Dew

By being imaginative--there are plenty of stories of people who became online sensations just by using their imaginations and presenting something unique.

Lancelot

I love photography and I feel connected to this topic. I started taking photography class when I was in college and I feel in love with it. It gives me freedom of expression and channels my emotions through taking shots. I enjoyed taking pictures to people, beautiful structures and great scenic views. Indeed, photography can create a tableau of human ideology.

Keen

It gives me courage to comment this wonderful topic. Our world will be a better place to live in if people are exposed to the world of music and arts. We've heard a lot of testimonies about people who are lost and how these mediums change their lives. Music and arts have a great purpose and someone should make this a big deal.

Laureli

Lancelot, I wholeheartedly agree -- some of the best "essays" I have ever seen were photographs in the hands of a skilled artist. There is something almost magical in such a capture--like we really do trace a living things soul.

Art Maven

You rock Keen and are so right. I just wish there was a way to make the people who think art is nothing to worry about could see what would happen if we took art away. Lancelot maybe you can do a photographic study on this idea?

Sasha

Maven, I really like that idea -- I can see like, a photo of a girl who looks as if she lives in a war torn land, holding a broken radio and crying--stuff like that. A photographic series on the subject could be just the thing.

River Sprite

I came across this site today and I am very impressed. Loved all the blog posts but wanted reply tot his one as I have often believed that art and music have healing properties. There is a reason we were given these gifts and it wasn't to squander them.

Sound Garden

Agreed to the nth degree. I just got finished listening to music and dancing around and I feel as if I can take on the world. Dancing also gives you more energy for some reason. Even when I get depressed listening to music and dancing lifts my spirits. The world only benefits from these treasures.

Terraformer

Nostalgia is a particularly sweet feeling and can be underlined by music and the emotions can also teach us so much. This blog post so perfectly sums these ideals up. All I can say is bravo!

Wheel of Fire

There are so many aspects of art and music that touches us that I cannot begin to count them although the blog is a nice tip of the ice berg. I think we are a very reactionary race though--we won't understand how important these things are until we take them away.

epiphany

Hopefully it won't be too late--depends on how far we descend into the backward paths as to if we truly learn and grow from the mistakes we make in this regard.

Amber

Do you know even some animals react to art. I have a a cat named Percival and I swear he loves watching me paint. He will just sit there and watch me like it is the most fascinating thing in the world. My husband thinks he is just watching the brush move but he doesn't bother me--just watches. Neat or what.

Beau Weevil

Too funny! next time, try laying a white piece of paper next to Percy with a splotches of paint and see what he does. Sounds silly but there have been instances of animals painting and creating art. Monkey's, elephants. Never heard of a cat doing it, but you never know.

Laureli

But just think Amber--your cat could be the first painting cat in the world! You know, I really love the thought of art not only enriching human life but animal life as well. Wonder if other animals can actually be trained to paint. Hey, stranger things have happened...

Amber

Not sure one way or the other about cats that paint but it is a fun sounding idea. I could even help by dipping his little paws in paint and putting him on a canvas. My husband will think I have lost it! LOL.

Truthseeker

"They do not realize that by suppressing a very natural aspect of human behavior, they are stifling one of the many things that make us human." Not only that, they are also suppress the very thing that that can fuel commerce, business and science. The evolution of these things are steeped in the creative process.

Slapdash

I know, right. Man may just stop cold if he could not evolve technologically or analytically and the heartbeat of that evolution is creativity. When people think of art as only in the realms of painting and music we are definitely lost.

Big Me

I love this blog post! No truer words were ever spoken! Not only is music a universal language it is a healing one. Sometimes these things seem as if they should be painfully obvious. Maybe they are and people just do not want to see.

Big Me

I know that music and art will always be the catalyst of beauty and sophistication for the world. Without it the world would be a very dark place indeed.

Spectral Illusion

There are far too many tales of how music and art has shaped the collective consciousness of the world. Indeed, it would be foolish of any human being to say otherwise. I think penny pinchers know what the truth is, but unfortunately, this truth is to inconvenient for them to acknowledge.

Cricket

That or they just do not care--I am betting it is the latter.

Butterfly Effect

I think we all should try, in some small way to enrich the world through art. It is after all a form of communication. It is also expressive and can capture with images what words alone cannot convey--no wonder it has such a strong, compelling impact on us human beings!

Vortex Cortex

Well as they say money makes the world go round. If we could show them that even serious art can have mass appeal they would back it.

Chesire Cat

We don't need those big wigs. Artists who build themselves up and cultivate their own fan bases tend to do far better than those who let a corporation handle them. Think about it. Would you really want some big wig who doesn't understand the creative process breathing down your neck and talking about the bottom line?

Sherrie

I see what you are saying but Vortex has a point-- men with the big bucks often have the fire power to get you in the spotlight where your message can get to the masses quicker and on a larger scale--its just a messed up catch 22...

Josh Foley

For me, arts opens up my eyes. It allows me to be heard and to shine. I come to know the past, understand the present and dream for the future because of arts. It makes me think and moves me into action. People should never underestimate the importance of arts to the community, because it's the source of a city’s creativity, its dreams and its passion.

Prime_k

Well said, Josh. Art is the nurturing ground for creative talent and it is truly enriching people's lives. Humans possess infinite energy, boundless opportunities, eternal possibilities and limitless pursuit. They deserve to be embillished with arts activities. In addition to that, it is very important to attract more people to arts and to share the enriching experience.

jadaluvsmusic

The world needs arts. We don't want to make our word boring, right? Every nation needs to plan and promote arts policies to induce artistic creativity. Arts do not only provide a more enriching life but also enhance the quality of living and artistic appreciation of the general public. Artistic creation can be a cohesive agent in building community identity.

Lady_Mirage

Everyone loves arts. I say people should keep on promoting life arts education for all. Ylotana is just the beginning. This article is an eye opener to the public. I admire a place with street art because public art beautifies public areas and allows local citizens as well as foreigners a deeper understanding of the country.

Simone

I can see how art functions as the bridge to connect the gap between cultures. It advances mutual understanding between people and countries. Arts made a big impact in my life and I'm pretty sure that it will do the same in people's lives. Artists need to step up by promoting the exchange of talents, ideas and creations.

the psalmist

Art needs audience and audience participation. I mean, no one will be able to appreciate arts if nobody will perform it. In order to maintain a sustainable growth, it is necessary that arts must be connected to the people by educating the public on arts appreciation and participation and re-assessing their own life and work through the creative perspective.

Rakesh

Yeah, If one finds expression in artistic works, it will allow individual to use one's creative abilities and provide insights especially in dealing with situations and people.