This first article at artlover.reviews sets out the scope of my writing here.
There are few things I see for the first time in my day to day living.
Most often I do not give much time to consider those things I see again and again. This goes for all the ways I experience and understand.
When I re-view something, when I view an experience or idea I have with care, I make an effort to uncover those things I may otherwise ignore, either through lack of interest, distraction, or as a result of my discomfort or ignorance. By taking a fresh, longer look with a critical eye, I give chance to knowing an experience, an idea, or inter/action more completely, and perhaps more importantly, more honestly.
Art and Nature
artlover.reviews is written by an artist and thinker, and is published free and for all.
I view art as essential to every individual and society. Sadly, much of the time, most usually because of cost or location, art is not as accessible as I believe it should be.
My ideas arise from my nature and experience, and these, like yours, are unique. We may disagree at times as our instincts and responses collide, but our willingness to engage lies at the core of our becoming more.
I ponder on the title of this publication: Art Lover Reviews. This could be a place of discovery that is limited to my reviewing artworks, but I think of this destination as potentially far more.
I am struck by how often the word more has already been used on this page. I want more, and perhaps at times I also need more, both for myself, and for others. More kindness, more peace, more contentment, more love. These qualities are often expressed through the medium of art, even though art only touches on their scope and nature.
Art for me is a starting point, broad in its reach. Whether music, dance, drama, drawing, painting, sculpture, photography, film, or literature, art is the expression of what it is to live, together and apart. It travels from the personal and inner world of the spirit, to the public worlds of politics and power. It enlivens my heart and mind.
Art has the potential to affect, influence, and change. Art is not primarily functionally useful as design is, but valuable in its experience and the way it reveals. Good art has the potential to make the world a better place. To review art is to place it in a context that further expands its reach.
I think of love being the kindness, compassion, and care for a life, place, or thing outside myself. When someone is kind, compassionate, and full with care, I find them beautiful. When I experience art as beautiful I feel an intense association between art and love. It is this bond between experiences of beauty and acts of love that I try to express in my work.
As someone who makes art, who considers art, and who values art because of its potential to nurture love, my words at artlover.reviews serve my continuing efforts to make plain where love is apparent, and also where it is absent.
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