To Art

The other day I had the wonderful opportunity to attend Pixar in Concert performed by none other than the San Francisco Symphony, and yes Rachel, held at the architectural wonder that is the Davies Symphony Hall. I absolutely loved it.

About 40 minutes into the performance I was just completely overcome by the confluence of my company, the the inordinate sonic joy, and a little more...There was something just incredible and unique about the moment and I longed for it to stretch out forever, but I couldn't pin point exactly what that extra factor was. I think I know what it is now--it's the idea of creating something out of nothing.

Realizing that these people in front of us, are creators, who have mastered their craft in their own way, has been very enlightening to me. These are artists, and they bring intrinsic value to this world.

Out of nothing.

There's a reason why art exists in every community, every culture, and every country. There's a reason why it's existed since the primordial days of cave paintings, since the human history, really.

And I know Rachel, you're probably sick and tired of me talking about such abstractions over and over again. But this. This is true, and so real to me:

Art exists because it's a shared experience. I think it really is a collective activity. The symphony right before us gives reason to come together and share in an connected experience. Pete Doctor told us it takes 1 developer for every 4 seconds of animation. One plus one equals more than two with art.

Art exists because it's human behavior. Like language, laughter, it's instinctive. It's just something we do. It gives reason to think, reflect, and possibly be inspired. And without it we're incomplete.

Mastering your craft like the individual musicians in the San Francisco Symphony or the developers at Pixar, to a point where you can give a touch of humanity...now that's something I'd like to do one day.