RE: 'So -- I think we may freely speculate on why he feels it is insufficient for art to just please or satisfy -- and I propose that it's that same kind of puritanical impulse that we find among fundamentalists of every stripe.
Not that he subscribes to any specific creed or philosophy -- just that he shares that same perverse impulse to deny oneself the pleasures of life.' Oh if only it were true! How much would I save on wine and dining out! (I have managed to give up cigars - though that had nothing to do with being puritannical.) DA On Fri, Jun 6, 2008 at 5:30 PM, Chris Miller <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote: > Derek has never told us "the aim of art" - and I am quite certain that he > never will. > > So -- I think we may freely speculate on why he feels it is insufficient for > art to just please or satisfy -- and I propose that it's that same kind of > puritanical impulse that we find among fundamentalists of every stripe. > > Not that he subscribes to any specific creed or philosophy -- just that he > shares that same perverse impulse to deny oneself the pleasures of life. > > > Why do some people abuse themselves in this way? > > I'm sure there are many possible cultural and personal explanations -- but > rather than analysis -- I think the best therapy is simply a kind of positive > reinforcement -- a mantra to be repeated after every aesthetic experience -- > like: > > > "this was really enjoyable - and I really deserved to enjoy it!" > > To be repeated as often as necessary. > > > There should be no shame in accepting oneself as a "Sunday afternoon > aesthete". Presumably, if one is not being an aesthete the rest of the week > -- it's only because of other responsibilities. > > I'm something of an aesthetic fanatic myself -- but some genres, like poetry > or film, I don't even visit one-a-week. (I think I'm watching about 5 movies > a year - and some those I walk out on) > > But still -- I want poets and film makers to dedicate their lives to making > things that will please me. (as I dedicate mine to those who love certain > traditions of figure sculpture) > > > > ************* > > Derek wrote: > > "My point related to the seriousness of art as an activity - the fact > that the aim of art is not just to 'please' or 'satisfy' (like a good > wine or something)." > > ____________________________________________________________ > Debt collectors calling your house? Click here to consolidate into one > payment. > http://thirdpartyoffers.netzero.net/TGL2231/fc/Ioyw6ijmNTwskDZN8zwgM5SQspPjOP > PxREZUVzae1ES5A2O9OCdTN6/ > > -- Derek Allan http://www.home.netspeed.com.au/derek.allan/default.htm
