Art ...by Sr. Monika

It seems there is unending debate among artists and critics about what is “art.” Lots of articles and books have been written on this topic. Another topic is about what art is for. Is it simply to beautify the wall in a house? Is it to make something “saleable?” Or is it deeper than that. Artists appoach their projects in many and various ways. One way is to ask a question. Another way is to observe the world to make an image of it. Some artists want to make a statement about what is happening in the world out of a sense of responsibility or personal action.

I have pondered many of these questions as I sit down to draw. What do I want to say? How will this piece affect the world, if at all? What is driving me to make this image? How can I make an image that will stir the viewer into action or prayer?

I used to say that I was making “beauty” because the world needs beauty. This is very true. However, given the state of the world today it seems a bit lame. So I’ve been working on a few pieces that might evoke some thought, some consideration, some prayer about our troubled world. I don’t know if I’m successful. Does any artist ever feel successful? I hope you can find some meaning in the images included here.