Truth

When judging a sculpture or work of art

With what or where should you start

From bottom, top, front or behind

Looking for good or faults to find

Is it based on your first impression

Or on the details of its unfolding expression

Does it look the same up close or far away

Does it give the same feelings as yesterday

Or when seen in the future after wear

How against others does it compare

Does it look the same in the dark or morning light

When one is in love or after a fight

The same to the unschooled or educated critic

To the rich or poor or the cynic

Does it matter if seen by women or men

A child or forigners or who the creator has been

Is it influenced by your prejudiced beliefs

Or is its value simply on its own motifs

The answers to these questions are up to you

It's what's in your heart and mind that's true

Author's Note

Nietzsche in his book beyond good and evil states that truth must be found by examining it from all sides and angles

Reviews

[jacob erin-cilberto]

I think examining art from all angles is much a good thing.
But some have the approach of looking for flaws, looking for critiques without
allowing for enjoyment...imperfection can be perfection....there is always human error, but that is life...and art imitates life.
j.

[Soren]

I agree fully Jacob, that is why I hate autotuned music, it is not real and does not reflect the small flaws that make it a piece of art.

[Chris Shaw]

All I can say is, I like what I like. I have never really analysed why. I look and observation is very important to me. What the eye sees, the heart feels. That can apply to a painting, a sculpture or words on a page. I enjoyed this poem very much.

Chris

[Soren]

Thank you Chris for you valued comments and couldn't agree more.

[John the Baptist]

The poem is one long question about the merit of any particular piece of art. Despite the certain opinions of critics, the answer lies in the eye of the beholder. I can read the praises of much contemporary poetry, but it remains gibberish to me.

[Soren]

Here here, and so it applies to truths beyond art. Some believe in one religion others in another, some here something that someone says different than what another does or even what was intended. Truth does lie in the eye of the beholder. Thanks so much for the review and comment John

[Carlos Lorenzo Estrada]

An incredible wise poem that speaks to art in general. What a fine crafted piece of art you have here my friend. I agree wholeheartedly with every sentence in this poem and it speaks to my view on creativity and its process and eventual goal in the end. You pretty much defined how I approach my art, and see it. Reading these words were like reading my own mind on this subject. I truly wish I would have written this poem, and believe me I have tried. These just aren't words but a gift to all artists. CLE

[Soren]

Thank you so much Carlos my friend but I fear you have been too generous. Your most kind words are welcome and most gracious.