Kristin Scott

1 response so far ↓

• 1 Torreyanna // May 29, 2008 at 7:26 pm

  This excerpt from “What is Art” by Tolstoy is the first of his writing that I have ever read, and I enjoyed it. I am always amazed when I read in an older writing what I might be surprised to see in any writing of today. In other words, if this same article was written in today’s “contemporary” climate it would be dismissed as wishy-washy. I only say this because I was so shocked to read an article by a man that mentioned feelings and emotions as frequently and clearly as this article did.
  In 1896 I assume the “art world” in America and the rest of the planet was dominated by men. I assume this because it seems to me that it still is, although female artists are recognized and respected today far more than they ever had been previously. I’m trying to bring attention to the observation that even though this article was written over one-hundred years ago the ideas in it about men being brought together through shared feelings in art is rather forward, if not revolutionary. It may be one of those ideas that transcends time even. I don’t think I have ever heard a man describe a work of art according to the way it makes him feel, at least not in an article. I also think that women, in order to be included and respected as working professionals, have left out the feeling side that is usually so readily assigned to them. I guess I’m speaking about the professional art world that seems to be the focus of my schooling. In my critique seminar class I doubt talking about my feelings would have held sway over what reasoning or “concept” was behind the art being viewed. Here in Tolstoy’s article, feelings seem to be the most important part of making and viewing art. How refreshing!…to me, at least…
  Tolstoy also speaks on the differences between feelers and thinkers. I’d consider myself more of a feeler, as you might guess from the previous paragraph, if not for my general feeling of “refreshment” than for the difficulty I seem to be experiencing in getting my thoughts across. According to Tolstoy, the “feelers“ aren’t so good at thinking, but even so, they are having a better time of their art experience than the “thinkers” are having. There are fewer boundaries between them and the feelings of the artist, and little need for them to express these feelings, as it is perfectly acceptable to just feel them and move on. Another refreshing thought for me, the simpleton. I feel validated actually. I don’t have to sound smart if I can feel really good!
  Something else I like about this article: how Tolstoy acknowledges feelings and emotions as methods of communicating. As a “feeler” I generally feel validated when it is recognized that my primary form of communication is valid, even among “thinkers” as Tolstoy undoubtedly was. Thanks man! I wish people understood, but I lack the facility to articulate to them the importance of this point. Oh well, I’ll just feel how important it is and move on!

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