I have been part of many spontaneous discussions about artists and performing art and whether art is really important.  These discussions happen in many places:  at meet and greets with potential customers, at art shows where the public speaks loudly about the topic, at talks among fellow artists during gatherings, and even at discussions with close family members all expressing their  own views.  These discussions often feel strange but they do leave me pondering and wanting to speak.

Artists frequently receive this admiring comment, "You're so lucky to be an artist.  I don't have an artistic bone in my body." My response is a cordial comment or a smile, but internally my mind is begging to differ.  I see the artistic expression in a person's passion, whether it be in the areas commonly seen as art, acting, etc, or in skilled labor, or in sport; it doesn't matter.  Each of us has something inside of us that we are passionate about.

I have an example.  I have had the opportunity to work along side skilled laborers in building construction.  I have seen the work and attitude of one finish carpenter who is simply interested in a routine job:  get in, get it done, get a paycheck and move quickly to the next job.  The work and attitude of a finish carpenter who is passionate about his skill is far different.  His craftsmanship is an art form.  For him the custom work brings light into the eyes and this person is a master artisan with his tools.  I most appreciate the finished work of the passionate artisan carpenter.

The other statement that comes up frequently by people in my close circle as well as others outside my circle is that "art stuffs" is frivolous, not necessary, is not a legitimate business, doesn't pay the bills, and the list goes on.  Wow!  Their minds are made up.  For me art feeds my well being; art offers me a way of expression when I have difficulty expressing any other way; art is beautiful and important to me.

A commentary by  John Lithgow on the Maryanne Moores poem "Poetry" expresses what I have not said very well.

"This is a wonderful conversational poem about what Maryanne Moore does (poetry) and why she thinks it is important.  I identify with this poem because as an actor I ask myself all the time, why do I act?  Why do they watch me?  Why do I need to act?  Why do they need to watch?  What I see in this poem is the answer that poetry or art or acting is not indispensable, but it is important.  It reminds us of the inherent usefulness of art, and like love in Edna St. Vincent Malays poem "Love is not all", art may not be everything but it is necessary."

Art is not essential but it is necessary.  Necessary if we want lives of meaning, passion and beauty, lives that go beyond mere survival.  We can all be artists and our art can make life worth living.