I love artists...

You may notice a theme so far in my posts.  "Atlas Shrugged" has been a type of rebirth for me.  Not because I believe every little thing that Ayn Rand has ever written or uttered, but because it gave me a frame for what has been bothering me so much.  

I think a lot of it can be summed up with how people value themselves.  Whether it be societal, political, personal, or what ever title or topic you want to name.  Learned helplessness.  Baseless hatred of the rich or poor, depending on your socio-economic status.  Celebrity worship.  Unwarranted adulation.

Why does the "Artist" deserve such a high position in society?  Why doesn't the lady that takes a piece of raw meat and creates a heavenly steak deserve the same respect?  Have you seen those horrendous Edward Scissorhands sculptures on I-29?  There was a quote in the paper, some lady got all offended and responded that ''you should learn to appreciate art''.  The question was do you like it, not what is it's social significance.  Just because you slap the word art on a pile of scrap metal doesn't make it art.  Just because the guy that built it is an "Artist" doesn't mean you're simple minded if you think it is crap.

Don't get me wrong, I'm as appreciative of art as anyone, but I've never quite comprehended the glorious aurora that surrounds 'Artists'.  What defines that title?  Is it just someone that works with paint or clay?  Is an architect that creates a world treasure not an artist?  Is not a farmer that takes a crap piece of land and through hard labor and an excellent mind creates a profitable farm talented in ways beyond most?  A teacher that takes an inner-city classroom from a D average to a B average should be one of the greatest artists ever!  All of these examples created something, or enhanced a mind.  Exactly what art is supposed to be about.

I love the artist.  Paint.  Draw.  Design.  Record.  Build. CREATE!  That is an artist.  A man that picks up a brush and doesn't understand color scheme is less of an artist than a butcher that makes the perfect cuts.  A sculptor with no eye for proportions is lesser than a small business owner that turns a profit in a horrible economy.  Creation of quality products that contribute to life and/or soul.  That is what defines an artist in my mind.  

There is a shortage of artists today.  Too many short cuts.  Deadlines have become more important than product.  Quantity, not quality.  I'm not saying timetables be damned.  Just do it right.  Take pride in what you create.  Value your quality and what you contribute to the world.

1: "Tom Mulholland is an artist."

2: "WHAT!?"

1: "Yep, that's what I said."

2: "Zack Jones is an artist!  Kent Hertz is an artist!"

1: "Well of course... and some of the best in their fields."

2: "How can you compare the three?"

1: "There's nothing of any importance except how well you do your work."  -  Atlas Shrugged

Whether you create food or sculptures does not make it intrinsically beneficial to society.  Art, shelter, clothing, automobiles... whatever.  The item itself isn't what is valuable, it's the quality.