Mormon Culture: the art

A couple weeks ago my family had a reunion. It was in Iowa, which is about an eight hour drive for my wife and me. We left very early, because that's the best time to drive somewhere. In the wee hours of the morning many discussions were had, ideas were formulated. One thing we both came to realize is that Mormon Culture suck. Growing up Mormon and still practicing I think I'm allowed to voice my opinion on this matter. I think as a culture the Mormon church is failing. Maybe if you live in Utah you don't feel this way, but I've been to Utah and lived in Idaho, guess what? Their is no culture where in Utah and Idaho.

Today I want to talk about art in Mormon culture. When I think about the art I see hanging in many Mormon houses and churches I feel sorry for those people who view it. Greg Olson, Simon Dewey, and Liz Lemon should not be allowed to sell their art at the high volumes that they do. They are the Thomas Kinkades of the Mormon community. If you like Thomas Kinkade than you do not like art in my opinion. That is how I feel about Greg Olson and company. They are purely out to make money, they has no soul. Their art is death. When I look around at the churches and homes of Mormons, I feel death seeping from them. It's like maple syrup slowly oozing out of maple trees.

Here is one problem, I do not know of any real Mormon artist. That's not completely true. I know this good sculpture in my ward. The pieces I've seen of his are good. Next to Simon Dewey and company they are breath taking. I think people like him should be promoted more in our culture. They should be getting requested for their works.

Here's another problem, every few years (it might be yearly) the LDS church puts on am International Art Competition. I've been to one of these competitions. People from all over the world submit art work based on a theme. It's usually a religious theme, which is fine since the church is sponsoring it. In these competition you actually see real art about the Mormon faith. Some of it is really good and some of it makes me feel dead inside (like Kinkade and Olson). The problem with this is that the show is in Salt Lake City in the Conference Center and that's it. Why? They could go around the world to large cities and have art showings. A huge PR move they are missing. Plus I want to learn about new Mormon artist. I want to be able to purchase prints of their works so I can have good Mormon art in my house. The church buys the winning pieces of every contest. Where are they? From the website info, I'd say they are still in Salt Lake at the Church History Museum.

Why a history museum? Why not start art museums and search out other great Mormon artist. Bring our culture to life. I would want this museum to collect more than just religious art works though. It should be a celebration of us as a people. Mormons are diverse. Do we need a million paintings of pioneers crossing the plains? I don't think so. My pioneer heritage is my parents being baptized in California and moving east in a U haul. Why is there no great art work of modern day pioneers? Why not celebrate all of our pioneer heritage in art instead of just the select few who traveled to Utah in covered wagons and handcarts? Where my parents sacrifice not good enough?

I have rambled on for awhile now. Here's what I want you to get out of this blog.

1. Don't accept the status quo for Mormon art.

2. Greg Olson and company's art should be questioned. Is it really art or commercial packaging?

3. Promote your local Mormon Artist, let your friends and family know about them.

If you do these three things, you will be a better Mormon art consumer and help our culture grow in a good way. Remember Mormon culture does not have to be defined by a select few, you can help redefine it. I know I try everyday. Plus if you know of any good Mormon artist let me know, post it in the comments. I'm sure everyone will be happy to discover new artist.