Many artists are of the opinion that artists should use their artwork as a forum for political or social commentary. Many of them believe that people who view the artwork will begin to think about what the artist is "saying" through the artwork, and will then change their minds to the artist's point of view, or will at least be more receptive to the artist's point of view. While the artists might be making very valid points with their art, and are completely entitled to create and display whatever they feel moves them, I personally do not use art as a forum for social change or political commentary, and here is why:

Firstly, prior to the advent of CNN, movies, and the internet news, it could have been reasonably argued that artists, playwrights, motion picture actors/directors/producers and musicians who commented on social or political ills filled a necessary niche. Now, however, anytime of the day or night in virtually any corner of the world, headline news is available in several formats. In a word, we are hammered with the news 24/7 ad nauseum. We can hear about, read about, or actually see footage of wars, famines, murders, assaults, drug and alcohol excesses etc. every time we flip on the TV or radio or computer. Thus, to my mind, unless art can offer a fresh point of view that might actually bring about change instead of feeling like something a news anchor would show to sell stories, it is better to leave the reporting to the news agencies.

Secondly, much of this art, especially political art, is petulant or belittling to the opposing point of view. I seriously doubt that anyone ever changed someone's mind by ridiculing or belittling his or her beliefs. Instead this approach tends to foment hatred and anger. Thus, art that takes this low road is either created by people who do not understand that one catches more flies with honey than vinegar, or worse, they actually intend to belittle another's point of view. Since I think that everyone has an intrinsic right to believe whatever they wish, and that everyone's opinion has value whether or not they agree with me, I don't engage in the kind of art that trashes others' beliefs. In the same vein, I believe that when one chooses to promote a particular point of view on a controversial subject, one is also choosing to alienate those in one's viewing audience who  disagree. Personally I am in the art business as a business, not as an independently wealthy artist who can afford to thumb my nose at my potential customers while pushing my point of view down their throats.Therefore, I will keep my politics and my social commentary to myself.

Finally, and perhaps most importantly, I believe that every person, as a being created in the image of the Creator, has the power to bring about whatever they mentally dwell on, whether good or bad. I also believe that groups of people united in their purpose will bring it about even faster and more thoroughly through their collective imaginations. What we envision, we give body and life. Thus, people who think and imagine peace help to create a climate of peace. Conversely those who think in terms of "anti war" help to bring about their focus, which is, surprisingly, war! It doesn't matter if you don't want what you imagine, the very fact that you are imagining it helps to bring it into existence in the natural world.

Whether you agree with me about using art as a personal forum to promote your political or social views is not important. You need to do what is best for you. I am merely offering my reasons for not focusing on negative, depressing, or demeaning subject matter. I deeply believe that when one addresses or calls attention to a problem without offering a solution, one becomes part of the problem, and one perpetuates the problem. Of course some people thrive on sowing discord and creating controversy, and for them it is less about solving an issue and more about the "buzz" they can create around it.  It seems as if they live to stir up strife. I am not one of those people. I have no need to add ugliness to the world. I believe my job is to add beauty to the world, and help people escape, if only for a short while, to a quiet place of tranquility and harmony. Because of this, I do not make work that is negatively political or deals with social ills, because one only has to consult the evening news to be depressed or angry enough without my help!