Creating Beauty

My daughter is in the process of applying to art school (SCAD, University of the Arts, VCU, etc.). She has to write essays for these places on why she wants to study art. Here's mom's mix:

I have often said that my daughter was put on this earth to create beauty. She is at heart an artist -- whether she's performing music, drawing comics, taking pictures, writing stories or poems. Even my daughter's style of dress is more of an art form.

I wonder if I've been correct about saying that her calling is to create beauty, however. It would probably be more correct to say that she was put here to reveal or uncover the beauty that already exists. Further, it may be even more correct to say that an artist is simply one who helps others to see. After all, some things are decidedly not beautiful, but we need to see them nevertheless.

Before the modern era it was generally accepted that art should imitate life. In the main I'd have to say that I agree with this statement. An artist's depiction of what IS can highlight some important quality that should be celebrated or (in the case of injustice, pain, etc.) what needs to be addressed by society. From this perspective, artists perform an invaluable service to mankind.

Art speaks to the human heart at a deeper, more basic level than mere rhetoric. Politicians and pundits can argue endlessly and never change a single opinion. But a painting, photograph, story or song can penetrate defenses and help people to see things from a different perspective. This power can be used for good or evil to be sure. Propaganda is a perfect example of art being used to manipulate. But the classics of literature and the art world prove that the highest use of art is to affirm life and humanity.

Hopefully as my daughter pursues her passions (writing and photography) she'll use her powers for good. The opportunity to see things through the eyes of her sensitive soul should make the world a better place.