"Art is not what you see, but what you make others see."
Edgar Degas
Do you think your writing is an art?
Webster's New Explorer College Dictionary defines art as "skill in performance acquired by experience, study, or observation, an occupation that requires a natural skill in addition to training and practice."
Do you agree?
I do. It takes drive and dedication to sharpen skills and cultivate God given abilities. Practice, training, study, and observation - we must cultivate these essential ingredients to be successful with this art form.
Writers create. We fill the reader's mind with words that generate thoughts and images. The pen or keyboard is our paintbrush. Long or short, flowery or factual, fiction or non-fiction, we send messages, informing, stirring the mind and imagination, spurring change, or encouraging a heart.
We "make others see". And feel. And hear. And heal. Writers have a unique opportunity to enrich lives. To leave a legacy and to make a difference. Is not that one of the best kinds of art?
What work of art are you creating this week? What do you hope readers will remember about your writing?
Happy writing,
Hi Karen, I definitely think writing is an art and it needs a lot of time and patience and practice to get it right.
ReplyDeleteHi Karen - is definitely an art form .. a way to connect and have others see our words in a painting or tapestry before them.
ReplyDeleteI just write - not sure exactly what it I'm doing, or where it comes from .. I've learnt a new word today - opsimath - late learner! It was an obsolete word ... if I'm around I suspect it may get back into vogue again.
The things I do consider - is whether the subject will appeal to many readers around the world, and whether I can combine a bit extra into the post ... extra history, extra ideas, or show some different photos/ images ...
Keep the reader entertained ... cheers Hilary
I definitely agree. I'm working on my articles for work this week like usual. Always work on improving my writing.
ReplyDeleteRachna,
ReplyDeleteYou are right! It is an investment, isn't it? :)
Hilary,
That's a good way to put it! :) You definitely do paint pictures for your readers. An art form for sure!
Natalie,
Even business writing sends messages, right? Wishing you well with your projects! :)
Happy writing,
Karen
Hi Karen! I really didn't think of myself as creating art when I write, but according to how you define it, I guess I am. I'm sure we all want to impress ideas and descriptions on someone's mind, and really, that's a pretty powerful thing.
ReplyDeleteI'm currently working on a new talk about how God speaks to all of us through the events of our lives. Writing to speak is really fun for me, although it takes a HUGE amount of time to do. I hope to get a little faster as time goes on...but art takes time, right?
Monday blessings,
Ceil
I want them to remember hope.
ReplyDeleteHello Karen. Oh, yes, writing is definitely an art. No doubt about it. I hope that my writing will make readers feel deeply; perhaps laugh, at times; shed a tear or two; think about whatever subject I'm writing about, and walk away feeling better than before they read what I wrote. That's a big order but that's what I strive for in my writing. Blessings to you, Karen. Susan
ReplyDeleteCeil,
ReplyDeleteYes, you are! I think speaking can be an art too, for that's not everyone's cup of tea, you know? And yes, I can relate to the amount of time that goes into getting ready to speak. There is much more prep time than people think.:)
Alex,
You do offer hope, and a serious dose of friendliness and encouragement too. :)
Susan,
I think readers gather that from your writing. You are real, and that is how it should be! :)
Happy writing,
Karen
I never used to look at writing as an art the way I saw painting, music, photography--but the more creative paths I take, the more I see that it is. And I love how you phrased it: "we 'make others see'...feel...hear...heal..." I think what I hope my readers remember are the encouraging (healing) words I want them to hear. Thanks, Karen. Nice post :-)
ReplyDeleteI agree. Looking at my progress over the years, I had the spark when I was young, but it took years to improve through practice and study.
ReplyDeleteI like that quote, Karen. I want to touch people's hearts, and that includes their emotions. I want them to see and hear and smell and feel what I see and hear and smell and feel. My pen is my brush...
ReplyDeleteHappy spring, my friend.
Kenda,
ReplyDeleteThank you! I know, I never did either, but have been more in recent years. Your posts are always informative, with a wonderful voice of hope and encouragement and friendship. So I'd say you are doing something right. :)
Medeia,
That's a good way to put it. It really does take a lot of time to polish and shine! :)
Rhonda,
You do indeed touch readers' hearts - I can attest to that. :) We really are painters, just with a different medium.
Happy writing,
Karen
I spent the afternoon on my blog post, which was less a work of art than a smorgasbord of thoughts. lol Writing IS an art. I appreciate that truth more and more as time goes on.
ReplyDeleteIt feels like art. I want them to have faith. Know that everything can work out.
ReplyDeleteArt - no doubt about it. I'm working on edits and almost 2/3 of the way done (at least for this round).
ReplyDeleteLisa,
ReplyDeleteWell, sometimes a smorgasbord might be considered a collage, which could be art, right? lol I too, appreciate that more the older I get. :)
Joylene,
You know, that's another good way to look at it. Causing readers to see that big picture in light of eternity does generate faith. :)
Susan,
So you are artfully working your way through edits, then, right? :) Cheering you on!
Happy writing,
Karen
I surely believe it is an art form, because you do it with the talent God has giving you.
ReplyDeleteOH, very good points, Karen!
ReplyDeleteYes, I agree that writing is an art. We paint pictures with words, we weave tapestries with phrases, we sculpt ideas with paragraphs. Words are the power of life and death, Solomon tells us. I believe him!
Thanks for a thought-provoking post.
Jen
Marja,
ReplyDeleteYes, you have an excellent point! Every good and perfect gift comes from above, yes? :)
Jen,
Well said! And you my friend, are definitely a writer! Glad you liked the post. :)
Happy weekend,
Karen
I think creating something from nothing--if we can say our imagination is nothing--is indeed an art. I often hear the word "craft" a lot when it comes to writing and perhaps there's a certain amount of crafting, especially as while we're learning. But then there's a certain amount of craft for a sculptor or painter, too. We need to discuss this more. Glad you posed the question.
ReplyDeleteI echo Kenda's sentiments on this. Love the Degas quote! Have a great weekend, Karen. Keep arting!
ReplyDeleteLee,
ReplyDeleteNow there's another good point! I agree, we should really talk about this some more. :)
Susan,
I know, I love this quote too! Happy Anniversary to you and your hubby! :)
Happy weekend,
Karen