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Savor art for inspiration, USU professor tells students By
Nicole Rusher "If it speaks to you, listen. If it is mute, move on." This was written on the program for the 27th Annual Last Lecture Series. The presentation was given by USU Professor Tom Peterson on Thursday about "The Importance of Art." At the front of the auditorium there was a picture of a black bull leaning its head against a red, leather chair. The screen read, "Sometimes beauty can be confusing." A former student of Peterson's explained that the bull was listening to the chair to find out why it did not like red. Peterson graduated from Utah State University in art, apparel design, and merchandizing. He returned to work in the interior design program and has been there for 26 years. In 1999 and 2001, he was chosen as the teacher of the year for the College of Family Life and next year he will be the acting director of the honors program. Peterson says the importance of art in education will continue to increase. It gives different perspectives in theories and methodologies. It enhances flexibility, creative thinking and problem solving. "Savor art in its purest form for the inspirational and uplifting feeling," Petersen said. "Life is full of seriousness. But serious issues should not overshadow the power of art and design. There should still be room for simple pleasures and enjoyment, " Peterson said. "We should still explore the cultural and intellectual significance of art." We should walk through life searching for more than just what has a down to earth and hidden meaning, Peterson said. "Just look at the surface. People think there is always something to get from art. Just enjoy it. Piles of information in the world limit our capacity to feel art," he said. Peterson said the relationship between people and art is neglected. Sometimes artwork can be very emotional and sometimes it can be intellectual. One may see the other as babble but it's different for everyone, he said. "It can be pleasure, poison or a placebo," Petersen said. "Art brings beauty to the forefront of our visual endeavors," Peterson said. "We must cultivate our artistic sense to truly understand art, and absorb and appreciate the various pleasures it is capable of giving."
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