Criticism of The Challenge of Art to Psychology

Seymour Sarason

The Challenge of Art to Psychology by Seymour Sarason argues the universal nature of artistic activity in humans. He notes how every child in every culture draws or paints, but as they get older only a select few still participate in artistic activity. He argues that everyone is creative and has a desire to express themselves through artistic activity and can feel a void in their lives without it. He cites a few experiments, one with ghetto elementary school children being taught poetry, a nursing home introduced to poetry, and menta

lly ill and handicapped individuals being taught visual art. They all showed a measure of proficiency, they were not so called great artists, but they could bring an image in their minds to their medium of choice. He also gives a few explanations why people stop participating in artistic activity. He also says that some professions are artistic activity, but they are not recognized as art because of society’s definition of art, such as a landscaper and a book translator.

I thought that the book was very interesting. It really gives some insight into why so many people don’t participate in the fine arts or anything creative. They think that they are uncreative because they couldn’t play like Beethoven or draw like Rembrandt. So society says they are not creative. But in the study done by Schaefer-Simmern at a mental institution with mentally handicapped people, it really shows that everyone is creative (Sarason 30-65). “They could all participate on some level at their own developmental stage” (Sarason 34). That’s what really convinced me that people were very underestimated if you look at some of the drawings and quilting these individuals did.

I also have to say, regarding professions, I had never considered translators as creative people, although a well translated work means the difference between a great book and a horrible nightmare. If you really think about it the man who restores old cars is also an artist, he puts something of himself to the automobile. Gardeners could also be considered artists, they arrange the flowers and grow them, tend to them until they finally bloom and that person also put an image from their mind into the outside world. It really did make me think about things in a different light and how society needs to redefine its definition of art. These people seem to be more fulfilled according to Sarason and I believe him, if you participate in something that leaves your mark on the world, you’re going to be more fulfilled, even if you aren’t a “great artist”.

Sarason, Seymour. The Challenge of Art to Psychology. 1st. New Haven, London: Yale University, 1990. Print.

Criticism of “Grants Nurture Arts Spaces and Housing”

president of Ford Foundation (picture)

“Grants Nurture Arts Spaces and Housing” by Stephanie Strom discusses the new grant supported by the Ford Foundation. They are going to commit around $100 million to the building, renovating, and/or expanding art spaces across the nation. Strom states, “This notion of the economic benefits of the arts has become increasingly popular lately among arts financers and administrators, who are keenly aware that in times of economic paucity spending on the arts is sometimes seen as frivolous,”(Strom). But the president of Ford, Mr. Ubiñas, has seen that whole communities can build around the arts and revitalize deserted urban districts. So he committed this money to fund the arts and help struggling artists.

I think that this is a great thing that Ford is doing for artists and the community. It proves that not everyone in America thinks that the arts are just a frill. It will give artists a place to live, work, and hopefully make money through their work. Although it may just be about making money and not really about valuing arts and artists, at least it’s a step in favor of it.

Strom, Stephanie. "Grants Nurture Arts Spaces and Housing." New York Times (2010): n. pag. Web. 13 Apr 2010.

http://www.nytimes.com/2010/04/05/arts/design/05ford.html?ref=design

Criticism of “Book Tackles Old Debate: Role of Art in Schools”

“Book Tackles Old Debate: Role of Art in Schools” by Robin Pogrebin discusses a new a book by Ms. Winners and Ms. Hetland. Back in 2000 they published research that said that arts programs in schools did not benefit students’ overall performance in the classroom or on tests (Pogrebin). In their new book they defend their stance, but say that: “art education should be championed for its own sake, not because of a wishful sentiment that classes in painting, dance and music improve pupils’ math and reading skills and standardized test scores,” (Pogrebin). They outline that there are benefits to art programs in schools, but they were indirect, like drama lead to some improvement of speaking skills.

I felt that this article was interesting, but the information was not new. If most arts programs did not support themselves in public schools they would not be there. Just because a student plays an instrument does not make him or her good at math, despite the math involved with playing music. However, it shows America’s value of art and artistic activity; people are only willing to fund the programs if it can improve intelligence and tests scores, not for the sake of art. It is an excellent example of American attitude.

Pogrebin, Robin. "Book Tackles Old Debate: Role of Art in Schools." New York Times (2007): n. pag. Web. 8 Apr 2010.

http://www.nytimes.com/2007/08/04/arts/design/04stud.html

Criticism of "Van Nuys"

“Van Nuys” performed by Sixx: A.M. is a song relating the struggle of Nikki Sixx, the bassist for this band and Motley Crüe, with heroin and cocaine. The album is entitled, The Heroin Diaries Soundtrack, it’s a companion to Sixx’s biography that provides a look into his mind, when he was with Motley Crüe from Christmas of 1986 to 1987 when his drug addiction spiraled out of control. “Van Nuys” is the beginning; it outlines Sixx’s fear of dying out in the valley (line 1). It also expresses his views about the world and his concerns like: “I just want my dad to know/ That I finally made it,” (lines 3-4); and: “I don't want my mom to know/ That I never loved my life/And I sold my soul,” (lines 12-14).

“Van Nuys” can be interpreted in many ways. It can be directly applied to the writer, or it can be seen as a social critique, especially the chorus and the bridge. Lines 5-8 can be referencing the highs and lows of life and how life can beat you down and that everyone sells their soul for something, maybe not a chemical drug, but some weakness, like money or work. Although this particular song is probably referring to the chemical highs and lows of drug addicts, the bruises under the eyes or from the needles used to inject the drug of choice and how drug addicts have sold their soul to drugs. Also, “And everyone’s eyes are blue/ And everyone’s mouth is dry/ and nobody wants to die/ In Van Nuys/ Van Nuys,” (lines 23-27) could refer to the blue bags under the eyes of addicts, the dry mouth caused by the drugs, and Van Nuys is a reflection of the working class and how no one wants to die without accomplishing something to be remembered for (line 36-37). The repeat of lines 38-42 could represent his desperation and how he’s slipping away, so all he can do is keep repeating how everyone is like him, a drug addict, unfulfilled, and afraid of death. I found the music and lyrics to be very moving; the piano parts were entrancing and heartfelt; able to make you feel his hopelessness. It has a great driving beat to it, and the violins were a nice touch to make the song more interesting. It just moves along and you can almost taste his confusion and desperation. The fact that the listener can feel the emotions from the song is a good testament to the band and what makes the song great.

"Sixx: a.m.- van nuys." youtube. Web. 7 Apr 2010.

Sixx, Nikki, and James Michaels. "Sixx: A.M. Lyrics "Van Nuys"." AZLyrics. Eleven-Seven Music, n.d. Web. 7 Apr 2010.

www.azlyrics.com/lyrics/sixxam/vannuys.html

Criticism of “Theme and Variations: A Conversation With the President”

In this article Paul Kwak interviews the president of Julliard, Joseph Polisi, about Polisi’s years at Julliard and the arts. They discuss topics ranging from Julliard’s centennial celebration to Polisi’s thoughts on including musical theatre as a performing art in Julliard. Kwak says, “In February, I sat with Dr. Polisi for an hour to revisit some of the topics we had explored in our private conversations. The transcript that follows is a worthy representation of the insights of a man whose gracious and tempered wisdom has become an important part of who I am,” (Kwak). Polisi answers the questions with thought out answers, authority, and knowledge.

I thought the article was very interesting. It also directly addressed a part of my topic:

“PK: What contributes to the undervaluing of arts in America, and is it possible to be optimistic about their future?

JWP: Remember that we've been upset about this undervaluing of the arts for the past 30 years or perhaps longer; the people over 50 filling the seats now were 20 when we were first talking about it. But that said, the undervaluing of the arts comes from a lack of education in the arts at the primary- and secondary-school levels. If you're not exposed to the arts, you are not going to know what they are. President Bush has just announced an initiative on improving math and science scores up to the 12th grade and has given financial incentives to schools, teachers, and students. I think it's a very sad commentary that he didn't even mention the importance of the humanities and the arts as well. Engineers and scientists will play their parts in making the world a better place, but they won't save the world alone,” (Kwak).

I hadn’t realized how long it has been an issue in the art world and I believe that he is right; if you are not involved in the arts in some way then you are not going to understand it as well or feel a connection to it. He also mentions that an increase in the value of engineering and scientists in society contributes to the undervaluing of the arts (Polisi). That makes sense, but I had not thought about it that way. In my experience it feels like if you are not good at math and science then you’re not worth as much, adults in schools seem to want to always push students into a math or science field and exclude history, English, music, or other art related field, especially if they never participated in the arts. In reality though, society needs both to “save the world” as Polisi puts it. I also learned more about Julliard through this article, I have always heard the name and associated it with great musicians, but nothing more, so I thought the article did a good job of relating Julliard to me. So, America does undervalue the arts, but here Polisi gives good ideas that might help improve that, he suggests more art education in the grade school and high school levels, and by teaching the students at Julliard how to be more flexible and to appeal to the audience that they have. In conclusion, engineers and scientists cannot save the world alone, they need artists to help them, or be artists themselves because they could bridge the gap between academics and creativity.

Bellah, Robert, and Chris Adams. "Individualism and the Arts." Christian Century (1993): n. pag. Web. 25 Mar 2010.