Just Outside The Museum Today...

A poet once told me,
"Style shouldn't be used
to excuse mediocrity."

But isn't it possible
that "mediocrity"
is the style?

Perhaps expressionism
or impressionism
or any birthing -ism
could be labeled mediocrity
- for although they copy images
they do not capture reality
as "the professionals" do
they do not capture the reality
in its most feasible,
tangible quality.

They capture reality
in a different world
reality in a more abstract paradigm
reality in heart
reality in mind.

What is reality?

What is mediocrity,
but a form of degradation
a manner of
putting down.

I believe,
in art's truest sense,
there is no complete novice,
nor is there a complete master,
only artists capturing the beauty in their soul,
searching deep
for the essence in their lives.