Prince changed his name to a symbol and called himself "The Artist".
While Western society relegates aesthetics to specialists, intribal cultures, where they have no word for "art" or "artist", views of life and death are traditionally expressed in everyday dances, clothes, sculptures, and paintings. They celebrate life and death with acts of beauty and grace.
In reality, aren't we ALL artists because we all live?

mistermcgee said:

Indeed...but what are we "using" our "artistry" 4. Are we creating great golden compositions and perfecting our art (as Jim Morrison would say) or are we creating chaos and confusion?

mistermcgee said:

I once went to a book signing by filmmaker Bruce La Bruce, and a girl was there hawking a 'zine she had made, which was dedicated to Prince and called "If Prince Was My Girlfriend". I think Bruce's response pretty much says it all:

"Why is he being called "THE Artist"? He's AN artist, sure, but nobody is THE artist. Please!"

'Nuff said.

Maybe we all should be, but I don't think we're all "artists" at all, even thouggh I beleive we're all born with the impulse and ultimately have it in us. We ARE born creative. Witness your average 3 year old kid with a box of crayons and a blank wall.

Most people I know are "viewers', "absorbers" or casual observers of what others create or express.

Very few people I know actually create anything...except criticism of those that do.

herbthe4 said:

good responce...however, we all have created *art* in our toilet bowls after a heavy night of drinking...if they could frame that sh*t and sale it...damn, we'd all be rich...its all subjective after all..