In an era where enthusiasts actively seek titles to help define themselves, is it conceivable to rearrange old ideology and turn it into a New Age movement? Especially when a particular group of people don't necessarily fit in with earlier, established molds of society? For instance, what does it mean to be an art enthusiast these days? In the art world an art enthusiast is most likely a collector or dealer. The average American art enthusiast usually has large amounts of discretionary income at their disposal. If you gaze upon a high society newspaper or magazine article from the late 18^_th century, one would agree that the overall confinement of the 18^_th century definition, fits the 21st century's art enthusiast description perfectly. It appears that that definition's stranglehold, on the artistic community, has remained the proverbial constant. It is as if they are still telling artists that making an appearance for middle and lower class patrons, is a worthless venue to show and sell their renderings too. Whereas it is my learned opinion, that if true glory and artistic achievement are to be made, open up those untouched markets to become more profitable, recognisable and critically acclaimed artist or dealer.

High society, art enthusiasts cast a rather black cloud on artistic merit. Many times an artist is over looked in America because Americans stereo cast. For it seems, the judging and critiquing measure system answers directly to those who have deep pockets. It is this very reason that so much in the art world is being lost. Artist merit is no longer awarded or judged properly. No wonder funding for the arts has been drastically cut, and endowments are at a all time low. Time and time again, in gallery houses all over America, canvases adoring the most simplistic, straight, black line wins the convented spotlight verses a richly detailed piece that captures a viewers imagination engulfing every fiber in their being and soul. Yes, realizing that beauty is in the eye of the beholder, but, in the art world the beholder with the deepest pocket book, proclaims the beauty for all. As an art Passionist myself, I freely declare, "Enough already. Enough!"

There is so much more to Art than the ordinary, hierarchy definitions that has plagued the cultural embodiments engulfed within it. So I declared enough. Art is passion. Passion comes from art. Since the beginning of time, art has defined the human race in general. It is a consuming influence that teaches people, clothes us, shields us and determines under what discretion we might be inclined to express ourselves. When I look out a window and onto the horizon I see art everywhere. I'm not an art enthusiast based off its definition, though I should be. An enthusiast by definition is someone with a strong, keen interest for something or in something. But the substandard of the elitist have a person, like myself defined differently. Van Gogh is one such artist, that for a short time broke those barriers. Never achieving critical affirmation until many years after his death, Van Gogh definitely has brought out the Passionist in college students across America. Adorning college dormitory walls are prints of Van Gogh's masterpieces pinned next to the latest Hooter's calendar or poster of the this years male hotties. Art enthusiast today have all but forgotten the little people that really made Van Gogh the icon that he is today. Average everyday workers could buy his paintings for pennies on the dollar and they did. When the art world shunned him, there were patrons standing on the sidelines waiting, needing, cheering and craving his artwork. It was the art patrons of the lower and middle class societies that brought about Van Gogh's fame. In middle class homes through out America, Van Gogh "coffee table" books are an iconic, decoration staple. With that said, I would also like to add that actively participating in the art world, is a mind blowing experience. Each dimensional element is broken down by subject, materials, dates, events, movements and historical importance. One simply cannot say they are an "art Enthusiast" with out being hounded by art snobs asking who, what, when or why? But if one were to say, "I consider myself to be an artistic Passionist", really what more could they say other than thank you?

^{Religious Connotation:}

^{It is time to put the old meaning surrounding the word Passionist behind us. Google search the word Passionist and one discovers a whole realm of 18th century Christian ideas and notions. Google search the words Art Passionist, and you'll uncover an attempt to include "The Passion of Jesus Christ" as an art movement. I discovered one site that claimed to give an art Passionist definition, but, it completely fell into the Christian aspect of being passionate. Okay? What does one have to do with another? Everything and yet nothing. I imagine that most religions wouldn't have gotten very far in their movements, without some sort of artistic expression here and there.}