Art

I love to spend the day with my teenager. OK, not the WHOLE day, but a few quality hours are delightful. I recently had the opportunity to take her and her friend to a major art museum to see a new exhibit featuring the works of Leonardo Da Vinci.

The featured exhibit was a bit disappointing. I never knew how much he thought of himself! He has some great quotes, but I wonder if such self-assurance in today's world would simply be seen as prideful.

On the way home, I asked my teenager what purpose she thought art served, if any. Her answer was, "It's entertaining." Her friend's answer was, "It is thought provoking." I LOVED these answers! They were fairly cookie cutter answers, but I accepted them.

Then I asked if she thought the original Creator was the inspiration for all art. She warbled a little here, but she finally decided on "no". I also asked about the art found in the church, and its appropriateness. She answered, "yes". I attempted to impress upon her how art, at its very origin. was about communicating a story. Regardless of the medium i.e. painting, stained glass, music, dance, or oration, it is about communicating a story.

Did she get it? I have no idea. That is what is so wonderful about conversations with my teenager. I never know if she really heard the words or just nods and thinks "It's just my mom going on about SOMETHING again!"

The last thing we talked about was the question, "Is everything in the museum classified as art in her opinion?" Her answer, "no". I didn't pursue anything on this one because I think I agree.