For my essay, I had determined that the first aspect I needed to determine was what my thesis was. I determined my thesis was that art had mental as well as physical benefits to one’s health. From this I could incorporate Peter Singer’s pond analogy as well as the opinions of the effective altruists. Overall, I am very happy with the changes I have made, and believe this will create a much greater structure and composition for my essay.
Changes made:
Creativity has immeasurable effects on one’s mental health. Art as a form of therapy promotes self-expression, expression of emotions, and problem solving skills. Art therapy allows an individual the ability to self-manage their own mental health through creativity and the expression of their thoughts as well as their ideas. In Rhys Southan’s essay, “Is Art a Waste of Time”, he argues whether art can provide any benefits to an individual, and art therapy is just one example of how art can promote beneficial psychological effects in someone’s life.
Not only can art benefit one’s mental health, art can also benefit one’s physical health. A study was conducted in individuals experiencing chronic illnesses as well as cancer to see what the effects arts had on their physical health. Art not only improved their well being, but also reduced their distress and anxiety, as well as increased positive emotions in these individuals. In Rhys Southan’s essay, he discusses how Effective Altruists believe that art is a waste of one’s time. For example, Peter Singer claims that art is similar to ignoring a drowning child. His claim is that an artist should not value their time creating art more so than helping the needy. However, this evidence of the benefits of art on one’s physical as well as mental health clearly disproves Peter Singer’s claim.
Original:
When an artist creates art, who is their audience? There is an ongoing debate as to who the audience is, is the audience themselves, or is the audience the public. Rhys Southan would argue art is for oneself, to create a sense of self-worth and happiness. Where as Benjamin Zander would argue that art is to inspire, intrigue and captivate others attention. Is art to create a sense of self worth, or is it to be admired by millions? Is art to give oneself happiness, or to draw emotions out of others? This ongoing debate, is one to be acknowledged.
I personally believe that Rhys Southan’s opinion as to who arts audience is, is correct. I for one believe that art is created for oneself, that one should experience happiness through their art. That art should create an overwhelming sense of serenity and have calming effects on the artist. For instance, art has been used as a therapy in some individuals due to the calming abilities art allows an individual to experience. This use of art is an example of how arts audience is primarily for oneself, rather than for the public.
