Art and Control

Every work of art contains a component that the artist could not control, a surprising and serendipitous element or combination of elements that elevates the piece beyond sheer craftsmanship and inspires an emotional connection with the audience. 

This is what separates art from engineering. One cannot create art only by following rules and applying techniques. Rules and techniques are useful to the process, but art requires something more. 

The artist must remain open-minded and aware throughout the process. When the glimmer of unforeseen inspiration presents itself, the artist must recognize what he or she has discovered and then develop it with care and diligence. If the inspiration is overlooked, or if it's not developed effectively, the work will be mundane and forgettable. But if the artist can capture that unexpected, magical component and weave it into the fabric of their work, the audience will respond to its presence. 

Copyright © 2015 Daniel R. South 

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