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Along Life’s Way
Less
Is More
By Lois E. Wilson
In the world of the arts, students being critiqued may be reminded of
Robert Browning’s words: “Less is more.” The novices may question, “How
can that be?”
The students experiment and create prose, poetry, music, fashion, and
other visual arts. One day some of them realize the concept of
simplicity might be true or at least have merit.
Others have commented on the subject:
The art of art, the glory of expression and the sunshine of the light
of letters, is simplicity. (Walt Whitman)
Beauty of style and harmony and grace and good rhythm depend on
simplicity (Plato)
Simplicity is the mean between ostentation and rusticity. (Alexander
Pope)
Perfect simplicity is unconsciously audacious. (George Meredith)
Architecture went from primitive cabins to the ornate houses of the
Victorian period. As our lives and country became more complex, new
construction materials helped society simplify to the more modern
building styles we have today.
Fashion also has had simplistic periods with less fancy prints,
decorations, and jewelry. The philosophy of less is more in attire and
accessories allows the body’s form to be emphasized and appreciated
rather than the adornments upon it.
In the visual arts, minimalism began in the post WWII period. It is
characterized by featuring what we value most and removing whatever
distracts from that. For many, it can simplify one’s way of
living. It certainly is compatible with today’s concerns about the
Earth and its resources.
Hans Hofmann summed up “less is more” in this quote: “The ability to
simplify means to eliminate the unnecessary so that the necessary can
speak.” The question is, “Do you get the message?”
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