REFLECTIONS ON THE ARTISTIC PROCESS by DAVID LIEBMAN Vincent Van Gogh, in a letter to his brother Theo, wrote: “Great things are not done by impulse, but by a series of small things brought together. And great things are not something accidental, but are willed. What is drawing? How does one learn it? It is working through an invisible iron wall that seems to stand between what one feels and what one can do.” An artist is a person who attempts to be in touch with his/her inner self in order to communicate this information to others through their expertise in an abstract endeavor (i.e. an art). An artist’s body of work is autobiographical and, at the same time, a means by which the artist communicates both individual and universal experiences that all people share. There are technicians (craftsmen) and there are artists. The former are technically trained and have the expertise necessary to produce works in their particular field. For some, these works may be convincing as art. But artists offer something more than just craftsmanship. They are aware of their role and need to express something of relevance about life through their art. From one perspective, the difference between art and craft can be compared to the difference between art and entertainment. Though great art can entertain, in the final result, entertainment is transitory while art is eternal. As well, meaningful art not only educates and raises consciousness but also challenges the recipient to be emotionally open to what is being offered. Art reveals one’s inner self to both the artist and the receiver.

Journal Entry #12: Art as a Reflection of Artist February 7, 2017 Reflect on what you know about art: literature, music, photography, painting, sculpting, etc. Also consider the essay excerpt from Liebman. On your paper, reflect on the following questions: Do you agree with Liebman: is there a difference between the creative artist and the imitative craftsman? Is every work of art in some way a reflection of the artist? Why or why not? Explain your answer.

6th Grade: Please have a blank sheet of paper out and ready to go when the bell rings.