LisaLCFan wrote:Perhaps there is no diabolical scheme here after all, Geoffrey. Has it occurred to you that perhaps you are simply a brilliant artist, capable of producing these works entirely on your own? Blasphemous, I know, but I shall take my chances and say it nonetheless.
In fact, I have often thought that if one removes "god" from the equation, one ends up with an even more amazing notion, namely, as your link suggests, that mere arrangements of atoms and subatomic particles are capable of producing such wonderful art. That's bloody awesome, in my book! Far more impressive than simply saying, "An omnipotent creature created that." Do we applaud and bow down when the mathematics genius can add 2 + 2 and get four? No. But if my dog figures it out, she gets one tasty little treat and a vigourous pat on the head!
dear lisa.
this message of yours is a difficult one to answer. we are into psychology, kindness, ego, religion, existentialism, free will and hostage taking. i think of the pope, of the prophets, of christ himself - all puppets of "an omnipotent creature". if they are not slaves to a higher force, they must be acting from their own initiative. and yet, being kind or helpful without a selfish ulterior motive is virtually impossible; we want to impress, be appreciated, show off, earn points with a deity, etc., etc. - list is endless. if a car owner wants to walk because it is healthy, he risks hurting the feeings of friends stopping to offer him a lift. "get away from me, satan!" said jesus when peter offered him a hand.
i think you know that blasphemy is medieval nonsense. also that a philanthropist most likely uses you. for are they not human, and not without egos that thirst for attention? what is the more prestigious, to produce an excellent painting or be the instrument of a sacred force? is inspiration a psychological construction, evoked unintentionally when building thoughts onto an idea, or is it a gift planted by a supreme being into the brain of one of its lackeys? if we are free, if nothing is preordained, and i can choose between being a clueless artist or a marionette creating masterpieces - i choose the former.
this afternoon i produced a charcoal and paint sketch of such atrocious quality that it can only be surmised that there was no divine force at work
-g
