I’ve thought a great deal about art and literature over the years, and I have no pretensions that I will ever write “the great American novel”. So I’ve had to find a reason to keep pursuing the craft. For me the point of all art is to leave this world a better place, and the work doesn’t have to be museum quality to do that.   A photograph that evokes a smile has done its job. The tea pitcher that balances perfectly in the hand is worthy of the effort its maker put into it.

The Ancient Greeks believed in the idea of catharsis – that art, especially the dramatic arts, can create an emotion which is then purged. This purgation leaves society a safer, better place. Anger dealt with in the theater does not burst out out on the streets. But does it necessarily follow that the work must be light and fluffy, dealing only with trivial matters?

No. Art can challenge; art can confront. But what art must not do, is destroy hope. If the artist cannot see a glimmer of light, an uncertain, but possible way forward, then what good does it do?

We all know this world has dark awful places, and we dishonor those who hurt when we ignore that fact. But we need to ask ourselves what talent is for. Is it for leading others further down a dark path? Is it to suck the last ray of sun from the sky?

I think not. Art is one of the great crowns of human existence, and people worth a glorious diadem.