Changes

Let’s [[focus]] on [[Art]] itself - the manifestation of Artistry - and how indeed each of you are, in your own right, a presenter of that [[perfection]] which is uniquely yours and which each of you understand to be your gift, your [[talent]].

Let’s [[focus]] on [[Art]] itself - the manifestation of Artistry - and how indeed each of you are, in your own right, a presenter of that [[perfection]] which is uniquely yours and which each of you understand to be your gift, your [[talent]].

The common [[definition]] for Art is understood as [[paintings]] or perhaps [[music]] or [[dance]], [[sculpture]], even athletics. But Art is the product of [[persistence]]. Art is the product of [[effort]]. The [[culmination]] of your efforts is such that it would be easy for anyone to disregard its perfection because it is so simply presented. But this is what the Artist knows. This is what Art appreciation is. It looks easy and yet a great deal of struggle has gone in to mask the mastery of the [[process]] that culminates in Art, just as you can see that in Art, as you know Art, students must [[practice]] their instruments or make efforts in learning [[techniques]] of dimension, must build their muscles and develop blisters that toughen the toes in order to become an exquisite [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ballet ballet dancer].

The common [[definition]] for Art is understood as [[paintings]] or perhaps [[music]] or [[dance]], [[sculpture]], even athletics. But Art is the product of [[persistence]]. Art is the product of [[effort]]. The [[culmination]] of your efforts is such that it would be easy for anyone to disregard its perfection because it is so simply presented. But this is what the Artist knows. This is what Art appreciation is. It looks easy and yet a great deal of struggle has gone in to mask the mastery of the [[process]] that culminates in Art, just as you can see that in Art, as you know Art, students must [[practice]] their instruments or make efforts in learning [[techniques]] of dimension, must build their muscles and develop blisters that toughen the toes in order to become an exquisite [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ballet ballet dancer].

But the [[audience]] does not see those efforts. They do not feel the aching muscles. They do not feel the despair of coming up short of your own [[expectations]] and standards for yourself. All they see is the finished product. And those of you who are inclined to keep your blood, sweat and tears [[private]], and only show that which is sterling and finished, are often overlooked as someone who has worked for their [[goal]] or are seen as someone for whom it comes ‘naturally’ and thus no kudos are forthcoming. There are certainly those who are gifted musicians or artists, but even they have to [[practice]] their Art.

But the [[audience]] does not see those efforts. They do not feel the aching muscles. They do not feel the despair of coming up short of your own [[expectations]] and standards for yourself. All they see is the finished product. And those of you who are inclined to keep your blood, sweat and tears [[private]], and only show that which is sterling and finished, are often overlooked as someone who has worked for their [[goal]] or are seen as someone for whom it comes ‘naturally’ and thus no kudos are forthcoming. There are certainly those who are gifted musicians or artists, but even they have to [[practice]] their Art.