Are Facts Aesthetic

Ironman: Art Nouveau Aesthetic
http://johntylerchristopher.deviantart.com

 I recently had the opportunity to provide a written response to the question “Are Facts Aesthetic?”. My basic premise is facts are presented within a certain framework and language. If any information is presented in this format that can be construed as facts. I relate this idea of frameworks and language to art aesthetics in art movements. Say for example Art Nouveau. Work can be said to belong to the Art Nouveau movement by it’s form, fitting into a certain set of parameters, which match or mimic other forms and therefore they belong to the group we call Art Nouveau. Modernism, Surrealism, Dadaism, Cubism all have their own frameworks to be adhered to in order that work can be classified as one of them.

This I argue is the same for facts.

Read more if you’re interested. Are Facts Aesthetic Essay? (PDF)

- matt

The Wonder of Art

 Noel Paul Stookey sang “Now a scientist may tell you how night turns into day, but it can never take the wonder away”
(Miracles, Real to Reel)

It never ceases to amaze me that with all the explanations of how our brains work, and the chemical reactions that happen inside us that explain why we react or think the way we do, that art can cut through the ‘scientific self’ and surprise us. We still get that “wow” factor when we see, hear, feel, experience “art”. Science can explain so much of “us” but it cannot take the wonder away.

- matt

Restraint

Restraints would seemly go against the idea of creativity giving you freedom. Art, creativity, design, call it what you will is about freeing the soul of restriction. Often our understanding of creativity is tied up with freedom. Being unfettered to pursue a conceptual idea in anyway we please. How often do limitless options become oppressive to the creative? Building up the expectation of creativity "coming upon us" like a divine muse, waiting for inspiration before the first mark, word or shot is made.

– matt