Beware! This is long, and difficult to communicate. Therefore, I apologize before hand. This topic and the experiences I speak of have become very dear to me over the last few months and I hope it may enlighten you in some productive way. If not, Deal With It :)
The question of the day, and the question I confront constantly in my new New York City Art World life, is how far is too far in relation to art and pornography. The follow up question always being, how do we judge when the envelope has been pushed beyond acceptable moral standards. In order to work through these issues we must first recognize that the human figure is not only integral to art, but also a pivotal part in our progression as celestial beings having a human experience.
Possibly the most important object for an aspiring artist to understand in all its complexity is the human figure. A thorough understanding of the human figure is integral to an artist’s arsenal regardless of whether or not they are a figurative artist. To be completely honest as an art historian I don’t quite understand why but I think it has something to do with understanding the line, contour, mass, volume, movement, magnificence etc of the body, which provides the basic framework for a successful work of art.
As a woman I find myself in a constant state of conflict with my own figure completely oblivious to the beauty and grace inherent in my own form. ALWAYS squeezing this “doughnut” and that “saddle bag” (like most, if not all women at some point) I constantly underestimate the magnificence of the human body altogether.
Regardless of my own pessimism about my body, which I fight each morning, jumping this way and that way pulling on my jeans, I believe the human body is THE MOST BEAUTIFUL, FUNCTIONAL PIECE OF ART that exists on the earth today, brought into existence by the ultimate creative force. The inhumane feats that can be achieved in this physical specimen are awe-inspiring and as such, this magnificent, beautiful, changing form should be emulated right?
As Latter Day Saints we appreciate the human figure in a unique and wholly religious way, which makes representation of the human form a more difficult field to navigate. We understand the physical body is a vehicle with which we can experience joy and realize our ultimate goal of becoming celestial beings. We understand that the physical nature of our being is only temporary, but nonetheless, PIVOTAL in our progression.
As a contemporary art historian, I find myself in constant confrontation with this "fuzzy" line between art and pornography. So this has become an increasingly important subject for me and I think it is important to share my experiences with you all because these ideas can be applied in other more relevant areas in your lives. So here it is. The only thing I have found to guide me (and when I say "the only" I mean the most important tools, the only ones capable of withstanding my constant testing in this difficult journey) is my own spirit, intuition, and The Spirit. “I just feel it is wrong.” Is all too often an incomprehensible, and insufficient answer for my colleagues, but the one I find to be the most important. For them it seems an unsatisfactory answer but I find it is the key to maintaining the comfort and companionship of the spirit, and the only weapon I have in this field of land mines. It is through the desire to protect your own spirit that you are able to receive guidance from The Spirit and is therefore THE MOST IMPORTANT THING ONE CAN DO ON THIS EARTH. Protect your spirit from the desensitization that is life. Don’t take lightly the things you see and hear. You will be rewarded with the sweet assurances, comfort and protection of The Spirit.
The further down the path of Contemporary Art I go, the more I find myself begging Heavenly Father to help me find the strength and resolve to be one among 31 (number of people in my class) and stand up for what I believe in, and more importantly that I might have the companionship of The Spirit to help me navigate an increasingly difficult classroom, and professional atmosphere. And yet, the further I go the more I learn from The Spirit’s companionship which compose the most satisfying and deeply emotional, enriching experiences I have to date.
So the purpose of this LONG article (if you are still reading this I hope it has inspired you to seek the companionship of The Spirit if you are not already doing so, and to do what it takes to have the companionship of the spirit) is to communicate this idea that maybe there is no formula for protecting ourselves from spiritually damaging experiences other than a desire to protect ourselves from the influences of Satan. It is this desire to maintain light in our lives that will be rewarded with infinite spiritual growth.
I love you all more than you know!
Love,
Candy
