As the frequently Pinterested quote goes, "the Earth without art is just eh."
We see this idea of art as an essential part of the human experience and a means through which we connect with the most intimate parts of human nature. With this spiritual and personal support of the arts, one would expect a higher respect for this gift of expression. However, despite this innate desire for expression and connection, we frequently see a degradation of art in the professional, "adult" world.
Careers in the arts are not celebrated often. Young people with a desire to pursuit art are frequently scoffed at and encouraged to abandon their passions, even from a young age. The entire education system values subjects that support science, technology, engineering, and math to an alarmingly greater extent than they do the arts.
The first subjects affected by budget cuts? The arts. The subjects deemed less valuable? Again, the arts. The subject students are discouraged from pursuing seriously? The arts.
Condemning artists and not encouraging their pursuits is the most damaging thing one can do their spirits. It creates a dynamic condemning creative endeavors and expressions of self. It shuts down the potential to strengthen a true gift.
Consider this: what are the positives of discouraging a young artist?
One might say it encourages them to think realistically or encourages them to get a "real" job, but I disagree.
On the contrary: what are the positives of encouraging a young artist?
A greater self worth, a desire to pursue a passion, and an opportunity to explore a potential talent.
This condemnation of art begins at a young age, with children being drilled to recall mathematic facts but being deprived of sensory exploration through color. The importance of STEM subjects should not be disregarded, but a value of more exploratory studies, such as those in the arts, should be rewarded dually.
If you are an artist, pursue your passions; there is a place for you in the world. Where would we be without graphic design or architecture? Without designers and authors and painters? The demand for these fields is real and often goes ignored.
How often do we think about the designer of our most recognized logos or the street art we see? The composers of the songs we hear, beyond the actions of the performer?
Art is a valid passion and it deserves to be supported. Support your artists, your musicians, your writers because they get shot down by much if the world.
Support your dreamers, your hippies, your free spirits. Remember the crime of condemnation does much damage, but the spirit of support creates wonders.
