"What you see is what you see."

“Without art, the crudeness of reality would make the world unbearable.”
― George Bernard Shaw

     Why do we need art? What purpose does it serve? Is it obvious? Is it complicated?

 Is the purpose of art to make us feel something deep inside?  Should we gain insight into our own humanity? Is it is way of connecting to something greater than ourselves?  "What is art for?" is a question that all cultures and nations speculate.  World renowned theoretical physicist, Albert Einstein wrote in his contemplative volume "Living Philosophies", 

 " The most beautiful thing we can experience is the mysterious. It is the source of all true art and science. He to whom the emotion is a stranger, who can no longer pause to wonder and stand wrapped in awe, is as good as dead —his eyes are closed." 

   Art exists in many forms because it is a primal behavior. We are born to create whether it be music, dance, haiku or inventing the Chia-Pet. We all have artistic instincts. We all have artistic talent. We need art to express who we are. We use art to tell our stories. We need art to heal ourselves and others. Art inspires us to look at the world from a different perspective. It keeps us searching. Art is unrestricted imagination. It is without labels. It allows us to uncover and discover. Art is fearless.

   Not always beautiful, art can be used to express beauty depending on our aesthetic. A gorgeous sunset, the ocean, the swirl of colorful autumn leaves, the curve of a lovers lips-all natures magnificent masterpieces. Art is a voice, a movement, the sound of a lyrical poem.  Art is our eyes wide open.