Celebrating the Artistry of the Human Spirit

Celebrating the Artistry of the Human Spirit October 24, 2016

ballet-1566561_640

In the preface to his novel, The Picture of Dorian Gray Oscar Wilde wrote, “All art is quite useless.” From a purely utilitarian perspective he is possibly correct; but from an inspirational standpoint, his oft-quoted remark couldn’t be further from the truth.

In his newly published work, The Soul of Art, Alfred J. Garrotto takes us Soul of Artlyrically and lovingly into the world of human artistry. As a published author and poet himself, he has experienced firsthand the rigors and fruits of the creative impulse. In his words –

“I believe Creator-Spirit has great compassion for writers, poets, actors, singers, musicians, painters, and sculptors, et al . . . They give so much of themselves for the entertainment, inspiration, and social education of their audiences. All who put their work out there for the rest of us to scrutinize and critique do so at great risk.”

And yet, if the artists among us were to hoard and self-indulge their artistic talents, rather than share them for the betterment of our world, how starved we would be of the manifold riches they bestow upon us.

Toward the end of the book, Garrotto refers to his work as an “ode to art.” In its exploration of the craft, moral stewardship, and sacramentality of artistic expression, ‘The Soul of Art’ is indeed an exquisite celebration of everything we love and enjoy about the arts.

A short but compelling read, this book belongs on the shelf of artists, critics, and connoisseurs alike. Like the gift of artistic talent itself, it is uplifting, engaging, and creatively inspiring.

Enjoy!

Cover Photo: Pixabay

Image Insert: Amazon


Browse Our Archives