Humanity: Intrinsically Artistic

Abstract

This paper was written to celebrate the human propensity for creating art in its broadest sense, of living life in artistic ways. The definition of ‘art’ for this paper did not refer to that which is produced on a full-time basis or to provide a living. Instead it meant that everyday people approach daily life with creative ideas for enriching their physical surroundings, and the people around them. Since prehistoric times it is evident that humans have felt moved to represent daily life in two- and three-dimensional forms. The artistic inclination appears early in a child’s development and deserves recognition and encouragement. Becoming alert and sensitive to the people in one’s surroundings yielded overwhelming evidence of creativity and artistic endeavour. Living ‘artfully’ is not limited by age, gender, or circumstances. A large portion of the paper specifically highlighted the innate musical sense people have. Many examples are cited which indicate that most people possess musicality, whether tonal, rhythmic or harmonic. Several original compositions formed the last section of the paper. It was fascinating that simply becoming more aware unlocked the writer’s appreciation of the rich abundance of creativity in everyday life.