Leapfrogging Art Forms

By: Sean Savoie 

            Writing fiction, and even non-fiction, is similar to the products of any art form in that they are all based upon function and form. Function can be defined as the utility or purpose of the expression or product. In this way, art may be viewed specifically as its function, which would be the answer to the question, “What is the use or cause of this artistic expression?” Art, in the most general sense, has few boundaries. Martial arts, dancing, visual arts, theater arts and acting, music, film editing, performance arts, culinary arts, architecture, writing, public speaking, comedy, flower arranging, the sciences, medicinal arts, and even the art of making love all have function and form. Sometimes the form defines the function, such as when a gardener must conform to the nature of a plant and its requirements to function as a grower of plants or a sculptor must work specifically with the shape of a stone he intends to transform into art. However, more often function defines form. What is the purpose of the work of art? Upon better understanding the intended function, the form the work should take becomes significantly clearer. In writing, think of form as being the style or mode of development that best serves the function; for example, it may be best to use comparison and contrast, process analysis, argumentation, cause and effect, etc… 

            Before writing this article, I chose to debate my idea with a particularly educated and articulate Chinese immigrant friend, with whom I often have philosophical conversations. He asked me how I defined art. My response was that art is that which is in the frame. My friend disagreed, saying that, for a true artist, artistic expression is spontaneous and unconscious. We both agreed that when a true artist is “in the zone”, as it is often called, a work of art flows naturally out of the artist. (This concentrated “zone” is referred to as “stream of consciousness” when describing a written work) Although I admit that art can be spontaneous, I do not believe it can be unconscious. Art must be either intended as a form of expression or perceived as expression. And this difference between intended and perceived expression is at the very heart of artistic purpose. In other words, the degree to which a person can clearly communicate an idea and the degree to which another person can understand this expression are very subjective; this aspect is the basic element that makes art so wonderful. However, without consciousness on one side or the other, art cannot exist. 

            Immigrants who arrive in the USA from Asia should understand that Americans often take their art very seriously, especially when the form of art is music. Most of the Chinese people I speak with seem to believe that the function of music is simply to help a person relax; furthermore, many Chinese people do not view playing music as a legitimate job. This not only goes against American thinking but also limits the ability of a new immigrant to more fully understand American thinking. Music, in fact, expresses the conscience of America. The words, lyrics, of a song often express ideas that are not covered or expressed in the mainstream news or media. Therefore, if an immigrant does not take the time to comprehend the lyrical content and significance of music, that person will have a limited understanding of American thinking.           

            Using one form of art to develop the skills of another is efficient, interesting, and profound. Music and language, for example, share many characteristics. Both have rhythm, meter, tones, patterns, and structure; both are useful to convey complex emotions and contain qualities that are indigenous to a specific area. Maybe this is why the best language speakers I have met usually play a musical instrument or at least have an interest in music. One discipline complements the other, enabling a language student to more precisely mimic the pronunciation of a native speaker. Consider for a moment how many Chinese kung fu styles came directly from watching and imitating the ways that various animals fight and protect themselves. Fighting is also an art based on fundamental cross-related principles. Again, this is function and form. 

Music theory is like grammar in a language. When a beginning level student of a musical instrument practices, it is best to work slowly on playing scales and chords to better understand the potential and mechanics of any instrument. However, when a musician plays with others in a performance, music theory goes out the window. A musician should responds in a more automatic way. The same is true for language. Better students understand that studying grammar and language structure allows one to understand the possibilities and ways of expression, yet when a person has a conversation, it is better to forget about grammar and focus on being clear using a more spontaneous reaction as a trained musician or martial artist does. 

            In a similar way, writing an essay requires incorporating artistic aspects found in various art forms. If you wish to think of an essay as a culinary dish, consider the function of your work in such a way. Is it better served hot or cold? Should it be spicy, sweet, salty, or bitter? Do you wish to entice the consumer, or make him or her throw up? 

            I prefer, when given sufficient time, to write an essay as if it were an oil painting. The addition of linseed oil to an oil-based paint keeps this paint wet for a long period of time, allowing the painter to continually go back day after day, week after week, or even month after month to alter the painting in some way. If given time, an essay can be written in a similar way. Taking time to get away from one’s own art also enables that person to view it more objectively, as if it is the work of another person. In fact, even in a limited time, the technique of adding color and detail to a work of art and an essay is practical. The hue, value, and intensity of a work of art determine its mood or tone, the feeling that the piece gives the “audience”.