05 Mar Editor’s Note: Why Make Art?

Artists never cease to amaze me with their absolute dedication to craft and their drive to keep working despite regular visits from art’s capricious muse: One day is bliss, the next, pure struggle, uphill all the way. No matter, artists keep returning to the studio unbidden, in search of a more perfect answer to the question: Why make art?

In the Collector’s Notebook, we examine this very question and explore the qualities that make an object endure through the ages. Hyperrealist Daniel Sprick, joined art critic Michael Paglia, and collector Robert Lewis for a panel discussion on this topic; the article is a compilation of the talk. Sprick, by the way, offers one of the best definitions of art I’ve ever heard — and no, “the eye of the beholder” has little to do with it.

As you read on, I hope you detect a slight shift in tone. At a recent writers meeting, I asked everyone to take us into the action — show readers why they have to know about this artist or that architect or designer now. To my delight, our team of wordsmiths did just that. They bring you into studios and homes, and behind the scenes for unvarnished looks at what makes creative people tick.

And for those of you who pay attention to auctions, there’s been plenty of entertainment to be had in the Western art market. And of course, exhibition season in the West is kicking into high gear; check the Events pages for happenings you don’t want to miss.

As always, happy reading!