Aim for the higher purpose!

In the book "Bruce Lee- The Art of Expressing the Human Body" (Tuttle Publishing), editor John Little writes, "... Lee's muscles were not built simply for the purpose of show, as were many bodybuilders'", and also "Muscles ...that comprised the physique of Bruce Lee are the result of training for a functional purpose".  This clarity and striving for the goal by Lee, is something that inspires me regarding being a graphic artist.  


As I've written earlier, in the world of today's digital art there is the tendency to strive for realism primarily, something which clearly demonstrates the technical skill of the artist, and also highlights the powerful capabilities of today's computers and software.  All too often I have experienced other artists geeking out over some technically brilliant artwork which says something more about the artist than the art (or its content) itself.  I suppose it happens, because for so long, computer generated art was hampered by limited memory and inadequate tools. But as Lee recognized the goal in combat, and streamlined himself to meet that goal via a comprehensive set of attributes (particularly strength, speed, endurance and flexibility), so too should we ask ourselves what is the meaning of art, and are we aiming for that.  Or are we just flexing our muscles?  (Actually Lee was fond of showing his physique per onlooker request, but obviously he subordinated a shallow showmanship to achieve a well rounded athleticism, and to become so effective at his art).  


I think that there are two goals in graphical art, one being the expressing of oneself (which requires little technical skill, as children are some of the most prolific artists around) and secondly, moving the viewer to some kind of emotion.  None of this requires eye-popping special effects. As artists we should condition ourselves, our mind and technique, to achieve these real goals.  We can do it with virtual stick figures and cartoons, as Jeff Kinney did so well in his "Diary of a Wimpy Kid" books. 


I guess this topic interests me because I personally tend to paint in a more realistic manner, not feeling comfortable doing non-representational art, even though much of my favorite work from other artists is abstract and is less than a mirror of reality.  


Recently, someone that I didn't know, told me that he liked my art and that he wished he had just a sliver of artistic talent, so I told him to just express himself, and that he can do that today.  Pretty big words I guess, coming from a guy with still so far to go.  :)