Can Art Change the World?

Perhaps you have seen the bumper sticker or tag line "Art Saves Lives." I saw it again a couple of days ago, and I started asking myself the question: "Can art change the world?" What follows are some of my thoughts on the question. To be sure, this question can take us in many different directions. It is my hope that after reading this blog you will take some time to explore your own ideas on the subject and perhaps write a response.

The process or experience of making or creating art puts the artist in the state of timelessness and flow. Art and creativity are part of the universal life force. They allow one to connect with the divine, to spirit, to god and the universe. This connection can create a sense of peace, and when making art the artist is not making war.

Is it possible if everyone became an artist there would be no more war?

Art is an energy source and has purpose just as do religion, science and philosophy.

Being creative could perhaps be called the opposite of being self-destructive. Making art is making love to yourself. It is being true to yourself.

Art makes the world a more beautiful place, yet some art can be disturbing.

Things made by hand carry the spirit of the artist as well as the spirit of the piece itself. If we can feel spirit in the things we own and use each day, could that cause us to be more careful and respectful and less likely to throw things away or discard them so quickly?

Can the world be saved by less consumerism?

Would there be less depression perhaps if there was more art and beauty?

Art creates new ways of thinking. It can change the way we look at the world and also the way the world looks.

Art is process and product. Art raises ideas and changes minds.

Art can be and has been used as propaganda. It has been used to manipulate people and evoke desired responses. If it is used in such a way, can it still be called art?

Under oppressive regimes such as the former Soviet Union artists were persecuted and threatened into silence and invisibility. Did the willingness of some artists to risk their freedom and quite possibly their lives by telling the truth with their art contribute to world change?

Can art be a way to tell the truth? And how much power does truth telling have in changing the world?

Can art save lives? Are we in danger because art has been almost completely removed from the public school system?

What connection does art have with spirituality? Could tapping into that connection save lives?

Questions don’t always need answers. I believe that power exists in our willingness to ask.

Blessings to you this coming week,
Ingrid

Ingrid Kincaid is an internationally known storyteller, teacher and spiritual mentor. She is an intuitive reader of ancient runes. She gently shows her clients how to tap into their own inner wisdom by weaving together creativity, spirituality and ancient knowing. Ingrid is available for interviews, private consultations and group presentations. You can contact her at ingk@ingridkincaid.com or 415.652.3990.