This article is part of a series called “Impart” which asks local and national artists questions about art to preface ArtPrize and begin the conversation.
Read other artists' answers:
"Converse" by Gil Lelazhe Jariq /Courtesy of Gil Lelazhe Jariq
"The Clouds we hang over ourselves, so much death in men" by Gil Lelazhe Jariq /Courtesy of Gil Lelazhe Jariq
Impart seeks to preface ArtPrize by asking artists essential questions about art.
An artist at Heartside Studio and founder of PRMTVE, Gil Lelazhe Jariq is an abstract painter based in Grand Rapids.
What is art?
"Art is the voice of soul. It is the physical elements that make up the soul. Emotions, thoughts, dreams, visions, desires and so forth. It is everything that is the foundation of the innovation of life."
What is the purpose of art?
"If a picture could speak a thousand words..." is what comes to mind when I read this question. When we're able to look at a piece and it tells a story, gives a message or speaks to us on a personal level every time, then that is art and its purpose. It's one thing to admire a painting, drawing, photo or what have you, but it's something powerful to converse with it."
Is art important? Why is it important?
"To ask this is like questioning our own importance. We are creations with the ability to create whatever our mind can think of. Because of this, we've seen art heal and turn a group of individuals into a family. Art is the bread of our community."
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