Even more on LDS Art

I'm going to take the first few things I mentioned in the last post and examine their validity. Assuming that they're valid, I'll go ahead and offer a possible solution or two. I figure that it's easy to see problems with something; the real trick is finding effective solutions.

Problem 1: Lack of inherent talent among our people

Anyone who thinks that this "problem" is a legitimate one hasn't read President Kimball's talk or doesn't know that he's a prophet.

"As I have traveled throughout the Church, many times I have been entranced with sweet and lovely voices. I believe that deep in the throats of these faithful Saints of today and tomorrow are superior qualities which, superbly trained, can be equal or surpass these known great singers.

"Members of the Church should be peers or superiors to any others in natural ability, extended training, plus the Holy Spirit which should bring them light and truth. With hundreds of 'men of God' and their associates so blessed, we have the base for an increasingly efficient and worthy corps of talent."

Natural talent shouldn't be the issue with the poor quality work being turned out.

Problem 2: Lack of focus on the arts

This problem is actually a problem. Colleges want generalists, society wants specialists. Unfortunately, many LDS kids choose to explore a multitude of hobbies and activities, but choose to excel in none of them. Parents justify this behavior to themselves saying that their child is just trying to find something that they like, but the reality is that most kids are just trying to find something that comes easily to them or trying to pad their college applications. Once something becomes hard or something is expected of them they switch to their new interest. They're not doing themselves or anyone else any favors.

If we want great artists then we have let people specialize. The day of the Renaissance Man is long past. It's time for the specialist to take over.

Problem 3: Few full-time professional artists in the church

I'm not advocating that the church suddenly start hiring artists full time, but that practice has been a major contributing factor to the rich tradition of art in the Catholic church. Artistic greatness is rarely achieved by those who work towards it in their spare time. There also seems to be a general feeling in the church that professional artists are unable to keep their standards, so many who would lean in that direction shy away from it.

Here's the reality: you will find dishonest, immoral, evil people in any profession that you choose. Just because the art community tends to flaunt it more openly doesn't mean that you're safe from ethical and moral challenges just because you've decided to be an accountant. If you do the things that you need to do in order to stay close to the church and keep your testimony, then you'll be fine no matter what profession you choose. If you don't then you'll have problems no matter what proffession you choose.

Well, that's a quick look at the first three of the ten problems that I mentioned. I'll get to the rest in the next few posts.