Words Have Power

Yes, certainly we can attest to the powerful words uttered by our heroes and despots within the confines of our history.  I have a ‘gut feeling’ that word of mouths is not just powerful to reach an objective; its power is derived by participation.  That we ‘add’ our voice, our vote, our intent to that of someone we agree with. 

        Advertisement, in conjunction with marketing, works to inform consumers in order to influence their buying decisions; ultimately to create a need.  They appeal on a number of sublime as well as overt common desires we as human beings possess in the process of our lives; in order to urge us consider; (and if successful, purchase) the items they are placing before our decision making awareness.  Even if they approach from an emotional avenue, (which should alert us all that rational thought is intentionally discouraged, so do you sense manipulation?) The purpose centers on the power of convincing with words, (even a picture is worth a thousand words).  The objective remains undiluted; obtain agreement, reflected in action. Buy.

        Well, never mind all of that mind candy, why I address the technique is ultimately a product, no matter its character, benefits or origin, is eclipsed to the technique of packaging and marketing.  Entire industries are created and dedicated to managing and positioning those aspects of raw benefit; to ‘create a buzz’ to the public at large in order to reap the greatest profits.

 I address the application of marketing to the arts in particular.  By nature art embellishes our emotional state, a quality that has intrinsically no economic value but that which our society places upon it.  Enter the handmaidens to consumerism.  The ‘Industry’ spends energy and money on advertising CD’s, film, literature, well you name it. Even expositions based upon the works of long lost masters are loaned out to local museums for the coveted dollar reward.

        The Artist themselves, (discounting the dead ones of course) receive little to nothing from the herculean advertising effort.  Perhaps at best they receive a token amount; a fraction to be sure, but even then only to encourage a continuation of money producing product. (ya gotta give something up!)

        My desire is to enlist involvement in telling others to seek out available art.  For the sake of art, for the sake of adding another experience to each and every person you cherish in their walk towards personal wisdom.  The observations and conclusions about art should be shared willingly in the spirit of contributing to collective understanding of the world.  I invite you to be in partnership with revealing new things to one another.  The real victory to me, in earnest, would be to see the ripple go to as many as possible, without my having to count….just imagining joy being freely given provides the desire and yes commitment to do this very thing.  Boldly ask.  Not an industry that would feed off insecurities and inhibitions to being authentic; thinking THEY establish our values, our principals, our very quality.  I seek truth and readily admit, doing so helps to live a good life.  I suspect we all wish for the connection to be present, vibrant, and affirming.