Why Art?

You may have noticed the abundance of art that is presented on the channel. Our people have been putting markings on mediums since the dawn of time, and it is very important to realize art’s place in our history as a people, and how this creative craftsmanship touches the divine.

According to Merriam-Webster’s dictionary, it has various meanings. It is a “skill acquired by experience, study, or observation”, a “branch of learning”, “an occupation requiring knowledge or skill”, or “the conscious use of skill and creative imagination especially in the production of aesthetic objects”.
In our attempt to describe something that has a multifaceted meaning to many different members of our tribe, yet we can lose sight of what art truly is.
It is indescribable, yet one can say “stunning”, “beautiful”, “exquisite” or any other descriptor to give an accurate account of what a painting or sculpture means to that individual.

Even then, it wouldn’t be a satisfactory explanation of what the viewer captured in his mind’s eye.
Sculpture, dance, design, food, music and many other mediums come into play where art is concerned. The viewer can experience emotions of joy, anger, sadness, ecstasy, and every emotion in between.
What is most important is the inspiration behind it. What was the artist trying to convey? What was their motive? What was happening culturally when his/her masterpiece came into being? Give a plausible answer to those questions, and you get closer to understanding the art.
Most of the imagery I show on this channel is posted with the intent of not telling the viewer what the art is, but presenting it for you to decide. Imagery of spirits, gods, folklore, culture, folklife and the ordinary toils of daily life are presented in much of the art of our people. Encapsulation of the things that we hold most dear, and are of cultural/tribal relevance which we intended to pass on to future generations.