artwork by Annalisa Barelli
My family has played this game often when we get together: MS or RT? A Media Star is someone who found the right agent or caught the popular wave or just got lucky (if you can call it that) and became famous. An RT is a Real Talent, an artist whose work demanded an audience…who had to become famous. And my brother and sisters would name actors and singers and authors and anchormen and athletes and even politicians. I personally think our culture has swung heavily toward the MS. You have to search for RT’s. (They are still out there in abundance.)
My son, a film enthusiast, and I have disagreed about Martin Scorsese. Nah, we both think he is an RT—his creative vision, his meticulousness, his diversity, i.e., his genius. Here is my hang-up: I rarely like anyone in his movies: the characters, not the actors. I know that sounds extremely subjective—but is it? I think Scorsese’s primary (but not singular) focus in his career has been immorality tales—the pathway to and the results of fallenness. Like I said, I like art that elevates.
And so I looked at my art—I am trying to be a writer. With no false modesty, I can say that I feel more like a bricklayer than an architect. I have learned that pursuing an art can become as idolatrous as balancing a checkbook. I am trying to maintain a single focus: keep writing. Is it fear or wisdom? Without a doubt, my purpose is to uplift. If you have read me at all, you know that has to connect with Jesus. I am listening for His voice. I can be thick-headed. But I’m not dipping my toes in and then stepping out. I am in. Wherever God leads me is where I want to end up. And yet, I have a penchant for making wrong turns. I am a person before I am a writer.
A wonderful realization came to me. Writing is too restrictive. I don’t have to pursue an art—I want to acquire, develop as a characteristic, commune with: artfulness.
What is artfulness? Making the right choices all of the time. Paul said it best: “…whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.” If I can carry that consciousness into every situation, from making Aunt Faith’s tea, to sharing a golf cart, to doing the dishes, I will be living artfully. Of course, I can’t. I fall short continuously. But as long as I get back up, reset my focus and move forward, I am practicing artfulness.
Oops, I did miss your point. That said , the focus one develops as an artist can transfer to other activities, it’s very zen.
First, Martin Scorsese did the last waltz, rolling thunder revue, Alice doesn’t live here anymore, bringing out the dead( high art and love story with redemption) , shine a light.…just to name a few. Art is a language, and has the potential to be very eloquent and enduring depending on the talent. Artists; those who truly feel called to develop their skill and vision are searching for the “rapture” . that state Neitzsche speaks about in the will to power. That place where you are expressing your soul and you have developed the excellence and skill to do so. Those are my two cents on “artfulness”
Love to you as always,
Gretch
The Last Waltz is the greatest concert film I ever watched. I told you, I know Scorsese is an RT. I liked your artist definition, but I wrestle with the “really feel called” part. (Perhaps because I’m not). I am more in the “think I want to” category. The state you describe, Nietzsche’s “rapture” sounds wonderful–I hope I get there! But you’ve been at this way longer…i have always been a dabbler. I hope you didn’t miss my main point though–artfulness is more about your life than your work. It makes me so happy that you read my blog. Love to you too.
Dallin