[Dixielandjazz] One person and art

[Bill Gunter]

Hi all,

Dan Augustine asked:

>What do you think about the following statement: only one person can create 
>art.

We've been through definitions of "Art" several times before and the 
discussions have NEVER been anything close to difinitive.  As soon as 
somebody ventured a definition of what "art" was somebody was there to 
refute the concept.

But, Dan merely poses the question although he does mention individual 
creativity.

My response to Dan's questions is that Art can be created by a group.  The 
most artistic musical experience I can recall in recent time was when a band 
I was in played "Just a Closer Walk" and, because of the particular blend of 
musicians (Bob Ringwald, Jim Maihack, Chuck Bond, Paul Edgerton and others) 
the song became the most 'righteous' and deeply satisfying thing I have 
experienced in a long time.  My immediate response when the tune ended was 
to say "Let's do it again!"

To me that rendition was a wonderful and creative work of art which could 
only have happened because of the interaction of all those in the band.  It 
was not because of "only one person."

I don't know how to clearly and succinctly define "art" nor do I believe it 
can only be the result of a single individual.

But I do know that for those four or five minutes I participated in a 
wonderful work of art.

Respectfully submitted,

Bill Gunter
jazzboard at hotmail.com