When power leads men towards arrogance, poetry reminds him of his limitations.
When power narrows the areas of man's concern, poetry reminds him of the richness and diversity of his existence.
When power corrupts, poetry cleanses.
For art establishes the basic human truth which must serve as the touchstone of our judgment.
The artist, however faithful to his personal vision of reality, becomes the last champion of the individual mind and sensibility against an intrusive society and an officious state.
The great artist is thus a solitary figure.
He has, as Frost said, a lover's quarrel with the world.
In pursuing his perceptions of reality, he must often sail against the currents of his time.
This is not a popular role.
If Robert Frost was much honored in his lifetime, it was because a good many preferred to ignore his darker truths.
Yet in retrospect, we see how the artist's fidelity has strengthened the fiber of our national life.
If sometimes our great artists have been the most critical of our society, it is because their sensitivity and their concern for justice, which must motivate any true artist, makes him aware that our Nation fails short of its highest potential.
I see little of more importance to the future of our country and our civilization than full recognition of the place of the artist.
If art is to nourish the roots of our culture, society must set the artist free to follow his vision wherever it takes him.
We must never forget that art is not a form of propaganda; it is a form of truth.
John F Kennedy
When power narrows the areas of man's concern, poetry reminds him of the richness and diversity of his existence.
When power corrupts, poetry cleanses.
For art establishes the basic human truth which must serve as the touchstone of our judgment.
The artist, however faithful to his personal vision of reality, becomes the last champion of the individual mind and sensibility against an intrusive society and an officious state.
The great artist is thus a solitary figure.
He has, as Frost said, a lover's quarrel with the world.
In pursuing his perceptions of reality, he must often sail against the currents of his time.
This is not a popular role.
If Robert Frost was much honored in his lifetime, it was because a good many preferred to ignore his darker truths.
Yet in retrospect, we see how the artist's fidelity has strengthened the fiber of our national life.
If sometimes our great artists have been the most critical of our society, it is because their sensitivity and their concern for justice, which must motivate any true artist, makes him aware that our Nation fails short of its highest potential.
I see little of more importance to the future of our country and our civilization than full recognition of the place of the artist.
If art is to nourish the roots of our culture, society must set the artist free to follow his vision wherever it takes him.
We must never forget that art is not a form of propaganda; it is a form of truth.
John F Kennedy
Speech at Amherst College, Amherst, Massachusetts (26 October 1963)
Because Art is not a Hobby.
It is a Vocation.
A Calling.
A need as much as Math, Science, History, English...
Perhaps consult if not so sure...
Einstein...
Davinci...
Below a favorite work of mine. Timeless. Bobby and JFK. Cuban Missle Crisis.
A powerful, graceful portrait. I wish I could make it bigger...
Because Art is not a Hobby.
It is a Vocation.
A Calling.
A need as much as Math, Science, History, English...
Perhaps consult if not so sure...
Einstein...
Davinci...
Below a favorite work of mine. Timeless. Bobby and JFK. Cuban Missle Crisis.
A powerful, graceful portrait. I wish I could make it bigger...
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