“We have to learn about our past, so that we can avoid the mistakes already made” My ninth grade history teacher would say this in response to any of my classmates or my inquiry as to why we would ever need to know anything about the history of the world. I always thought that history was just that history—in the past, of no consequence to me, to the right now. I still believe that to a certain extent. Even then, like now I can’t help but see the point and the logic behind it and I’d even go so far as to agree with my old sage.

And although I agree with his statement and understand the need/want to learn and know about all things past, I do not see the need for this kind of knowledge when it comes to art. I know this sounds completely ignorant and asinine, especially to you college educated folks, and most especially to those of you who took Art History and might even have a degree in art. But, please, hear me out, you may still disagree, but at least you can say you we’re patient.

Art History, unlike other types of history is unnecessary and may even be detrimental to those of us trying to form art now—today.

Without Art History you may never hear of the great artists, you may never understand the reason why Van Gogh cut off his ear, or why Salvador Dali liked to paint droopy clocks. You may never get the chance to experience the beautiful and moving artwork of any of the great writers, composers, painters or illustrators or even cartoonists. You may be without the knowledge of why Art exists. It may never come up that Artists were revered as the highest rung of societies ladder for a time, or why Artists go to the 1st circle of hell (unless of course they committed a greater sin than not accepting Christ)… I digress.

The main point of Art History is to learn of the past, what was being done—what’s been done—and this is supposed to help you move forward and improve your skill as an artist and help you with a solid foundation of knowledge, in which to enlighten the world through your art.

It’s all crap!

Art History does nothing of the sort, just like creative writing classes don’t make you a writer, Art History—or any art class for that matter—doesn’t make you an artist.

Art is within. Art cannot be defined. Art cannot be categorized, sorted, collated or pinned down. Art is about freedom, freedom from the past and present and future. It’s about creation and passion and love.

You can take every class known to man, and never produce a single artwork of note. You can, however, take absolutely no classes, and become the greatest artist the world has ever known. You just need to believe in yourself, in your craft and you need to do it. Create, love, passion, joy, happiness, sadness, anger, angst, depression. Go forth and create, use your emotions.

Art is Art. There are no pre-defined methods or wisdoms. It is what it is, and that’s everything it can be.

So please, spew your art upon this world; write your novels, paint your paintings, design your web-sites, program your applications, punch your opponents, draw your pictures, build your buildings, compose your songs, take your pictures… Create your future and give us something to talk about and enjoy.