For the joy of it: A study of non-vocational artistic activity.
Item
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Title
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For the joy of it: A study of non-vocational artistic activity.
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Identifier
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AAI9908296
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identifier
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9908296
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Creator
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Bloom, Jessica Rachel.
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Contributor
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Adviser: William Kornblum
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Date
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1998
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Language
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English
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Publisher
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City University of New York.
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Subject
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Sociology, General | Fine Arts
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Abstract
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A strong work ethic, heir of the founders' Puritan values, continues to characterize American society. Such values tend to be utilitarian, so artistic expression for pleasure is seen as less valuable, yet few can become full-time professionals in the arts. In consequence, many people at various levels of skill and commitment, pursue artistic activities for no economic gain, but simply for the enrichment that it brings. This study explored the motivations of people who have other occupations but who feel strongly about their artistic activities, which they pursue in their free time. Through the use of open-ended life-history interviews, it examined the meanings people attach to these activities at different stages of life, and how these pursuits fit with the rest of their lives and their sense of themselves. The study considered the influence of family background, education, and membership in informal groups and artistic organizations on their artistic expression.;The main reason cited by the interviewees for their tenacious, lifelong interest in producing art was the pleasure and joy that it gave them. This pleasure was unique and different from the satisfactions received in paid work, even for those who enjoyed their occupations. For those dissatisfied with their paid work, art was the area of life in which they felt they expressed their more authentic selves.;The study found that the richest seed period was childhood, and the period of greatest danger to continued artistic expression was adolescence. Pursuit of the art activity from childhood to the present survived many obstacles and retained its strength and intensity. Interest, ability, and pleasure developed and increased over time. The activities retained their strong personal and essentially noncommercial significance for all subjects interviewed.
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Type
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dissertation
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Source
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PQT Legacy CUNY.xlsx
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degree
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Ph.D.
