This is a question posed to actor Ethan Hawke in a short film. Is art essential? It’s one many people argue over, especially when it comes to school funds or is thought as a luxury. Mr. Hawke makes a beautiful argument that art is not only what connects us during life’s turmoils but gives us freedom to express our feelings.

I think I often forget how lucky I am to live in a world where I can pick up pen and paper and sketch out ideas, paint with brush or scribble with my phone or write a haiku to express myself. I can turn on a radio and listen to music or chose a song and let it help me work out feelings of loss or joy. I forget that I can reach for a book of poetry, and let myself be reminded of our shared humanity. I forget that art inspires me not only to embrace my own creativity and existence but inspires others to pursue challenges such as sports (thinking of every Rocky movie I’ve watched). We wouldn’t even know who certain sports legends were if it weren’t for art. So, yes art is essential to life and to the human spirit. As Maya Angelou wrote,

“There is no greater agony than bearing an untold story inside you.”

I have to thank local artist, Dee Hartman for sharing this insightful question is art important. You can view the entirety of “Is art essential” video here.