The power of both myth and art is this magical ability to open doors, to make connections - not only between us and the natural world, but between us and the rest of humanity. Myths show us what we have in common with every other human being, no matter what culture we come from, no matter what century we live in. . .and at the same time, mythic stories and art celebrate our essential differences.
Interpretation
Myth and art connect humanity by highlighting both our shared experiences and our unique differences.
Alan Lee's quote suggests that myths and art hold a unique power to bridge gaps between individuals and cultures. They facilitate understanding and connection among people, illustrating the universal experiences of humanity while also celebrating the diverse qualities that make each culture distinct. This duality enriches our connections to both the natural world and each other, fostering a deeper appreciation of our shared existence.
In practice
This quote can inspire a speech at an art exhibition focusing on cultural diversity.
To draw a tree, to pay such close attention to every aspect of a tree, is an act of reverence not only toward the tree, and toward the earth itself, but also our human connection to it. This is one of the magical things about drawing - it gives us almost visionary moments of connectedness.
Skill in writing frees you to write what you want to write. It may also show you what you want to write. Craft enables art.
Fantasy is not antirational, but pararational; not realistic but surrealistic, a heightening of reality. In Freud's terminology, it employs primary not secondary process thinking. It employs archetypes which, as Jung warned us, are dangerous things. Fantasy is nearer to poetry, to mysticism, and to insanity than naturalistic fiction is. It is a wilderness, and those who go there should not feel too safe.
Write as the wind blows and command all words like an army!
Judge: And what is your occupation in general? Brodsky: Poet, poet-translator. Judge: And who recognized you to be a poet? Who put you in the ranks of poet? Brodsky: No one. And who put me in the ranks of humanity? Judge: Did you study it?...How to be a poet? Did you attempt to finish an insitute of higher learning...where they prepare...teach Brodsky: I did not think that it is given to one by education. Judge: By what then? Brodsky: I think that it is from God.
Wearing clothes should be a personal narrative of emotion. I always respond to fashion in an emotional way.
I've come to understand that art is awesome and beautiful because it's a reflection of life - but it's just a reflection, and the real thing is my daughter.
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