David Crismon

The most important fact I can remember learning in a sociology class decades ago was that the act of becoming “change skilled” is critical to survival. The study of history and evolution certainly reinforces that thought. Horrible things have happened to civilizations since the beginning of time. But people got through them usually with the support, help, and love of other people. During the last twelve months we have been called upon to rise to yet another survival challenge. This time it’s somewhat different because to be safe we must do it without the physical comfort of others and without participating in our usual supportive activities. Also, because we live in the age of technology we are bombarded with polarizing statistics, images, and commentaries 24/7. There doesn’t seem to be a respite from bad news. The stress is cumulative.

While cleaning out some files last week, I came across an article I had downloaded from the Metropolitan Museum of Art website in 2017. The Met had conducted a survey in which they asked 12 Contemporary Artists "What it Takes to Make a Great Piece of Art.” I found the responses fascinating. So, I decided to conduct a survey of my own.