Is art a luxury or is it something we need right now?

It would seem that enjoying art during the tumultuous times that we have experienced in recent days would be a luxury. Is art a luxury?

There is so much anguish and so many deep seated problems facing our culture right now. How does enjoying art fit with that?

First of all, art is not just for enjoyment. Art is a part of our culture – the expressive part – that gives image and voice to shared experiences.

Art can raise awareness and rally people to a cause. It can give us iconic images that reveal the nuances of an issue, and it can point out the incongruities in our purposes and actions. Without creative expression, social movements would likely blow away in the wind.

Even so, enjoying art simply for the sake of enjoying it is not frivolous either.

We need reprieves from the strife. Sometimes we need to turn off the news and enjoy quiet beauty to refresh our sense of goodness in the world.

And sometimes, buying a piece of art during a time of important change can bring more meaning to the moment when you look back upon it in the future.

Artist Gwen Seemel says art is not a luxury at all. In fact, it is an essential part of who we are, and we cannot live without it. I agree with her.

We spend considerable amounts of money on many things that are not absolutely necessary for survival. Because we consider these things as part of our daily lives, though, we do not consider these expenses frivolous. Cable TV. Video games and mobile apps. Stylish cloths. Home decor. Gardening and lawn care. Alcohol and snacks. The list goes on and on. We spend lots of money on a variety of items that we do not absolutely need.

But how often do we buy original art?

We experience art regardless of whether we purchase it outright. Often we consume art via television or other mass market publishing outlets to get our creativity fix. It costs more to buy original art directly from an artist, though, so we consider it a luxury.

Why is it more necessary to purchase things that are mass produced by corporations than it is to buy authentic creative expressions from an independent artist?

Watch the video below and see if you still think art is a luxury. And think again before you pass up that artwork you really love but think it is too much of a luxury for you.

The painting above is for sale. Regular price is $100, however, you may purchase it for $75 for a limited time. Discount ends Friday, July 15 at 12:00 AM EDT.

“Heart” $75.00 Acrylic Painting on Wood 12″ H x 16″ W US Shipping – $25 Intl – $45

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Life is an Adventure!

BZTAT

July 11, 2016

Sale on Premiere Contemporary Custom Pet Portrait Paintings by BZTAT!

Custom pet portraits make wonderful gifts for people who love their animals as part of the family. They also make great gifts that you give to yourself!

The portrait here of a cat named Orbit was commissioned by his loving human companion. Knowing that he is aging, she wanted to have a piece of art that celebrated the love that they share. (Read more about Orbit’s portrait here.)

If you have been thinking about commissioning a portrait of your own pet, or were thinking of getting a portrait as a gift for someone else, now is the time to do it. If you order a Premiere Contemporary Custom Pet Portrait Painting by 7/15/16, you can take 15% off the regular price.

It’s not too early to be thinking about gifts for the winter holidays or upcoming birthdays or other special events. Ordering early ensures that the artwork will be completed in time for your gift giving needs.

Shipping costs still apply. Orders must be paid in advance. Simply contact me via the form on the Premiere Contemporary Custom Pet Portrait Painting page to order or get more information.

If a Premiere Contemporary Custom Pet Portrait Painting is not for you, I have 3 other styles of portraits that fit with different budgets. Perhaps a Contemporary Folk Art Pet Portrait Painting, a Contemporary Pet Portrait Drawing, or a Contemporary Custom Digital Pet Portrait is more your style. (Sale only applies to the Premiere style.)

Whatever fits your style, I look forward to creating an artwork of a special pet for you!

Life is an Adventure!

BZTAT

July 6, 2016

Portrait Painting of Orbit the Ambassador Cat

Orbit is a special cat.

According to his person, “He is mellow and friendly to every person and animal he meets. He’s like the ambassador.” He offers support when his person feels down, and he allows her to carry him around.

“Since he was a kitten it’s been our morning ritual. I pick him up and he puts his paws around my neck, and I carry him around while I open up the house. It’s how I’ve started every day for the last 16 years! He has all this fuzzy belly fur that looks like whipped cream, and he’s still soft as a kitten.”

Orbit is 17 years old, and he has developed kidney disease. Wanting to treasure every moment they have left together, his person commissioned a portrait of him.

Painting a portrait of a cat who shares such a special relationship with his human companion is such a gratifying experience. Although the commission came from online contact, I feel as though I know them both. There is a deep soulfulness in painting an animal’s portrait, and that connection is real, even if we have not met face to face.

I hope that Orbit and his person have many days ahead together. I will treasure the moments that I shared with them in creating an artwork that celebrates their love.

Life is an Adventure!

BZTAT

Interested in getting a portrait of your pet? Learn about commissioning a portrait of your pet here!