PROBLEM 0009: Buying Furniture and Art

In which the author considers furniture as something beneath consideration. In which utility is a deep distraction from something unnameable. In which a tiny lacquer box is not furniture. And where art’s more diffuse qualities finally hold court with a surprised author.

PROBLEM 0008: In Praise of Generalization

In which the author gives the other side of Problem 0007. In which generalization is praised. Then denigrated again. And where facts are idealistically eschewed for the specific details of certain humanity.

PROBLEM 0007: Generalization Hamstrings the Art

In which the author pauses to consider the problem of Problems. In which that problem is labeled Generalization. And where the author admits to being a bit stymied even while talking like he’s not.

PROBLEM 0006: On Receiving Advice about Art Appreciation

In which the author thinks about advice given with good intentions. In which advice about art tends to fall flat. In which one’s own, personal methodology is often the best advice. And where the author forgets to mention that once you figure something out, you should take it as its own advice, readymade, and all yours.

PROBLEM 0005: In Praise of Indifference

In which the author looks at Problem 0004 and decides it could use a little help. In which that help comes from movies he recently saw and felt uncertain about. And where indifference eats all of his potato chips and doesn’t say thank you. It is, however, invited back to the party.

PROBLEM 0004: Liking Something versus Critically Thinking About Something (Oh no!)

In which the author begs the question nobody wanted to hear. In which the bête noir of America is offered as an alternative to "liking something". In which the phrase "bête noir" is never mentioned again on this website. On how a new continuum presents fifty lovely shades of gray that whip your brain into shape. And how 10 bucks isn't a lot of money. 

PROBLEM 0003: The Individual and the Crowd

In which the author writes briefly about the love of groups and the obsession with individuality. In which separation is on equal par with the crowd. In which a related question brings up a lot of problems that probably can't be answered on this website. Also, Nabokov's Mary, because I really love that book.

PROBLEM 0002: Feeling About Art vs Thinking About Art

In which the author thinks about Feeling vs Thinking, then feels about Thinking vs Feeling. In which Feelings come under attack. In which turnabout is fair play and Thinking feels the pressure. Wherein the human tearfully makes a case for itself. And where feeling says to thinking, “Quit whining, the sun is coming out.” Also, gender.

PROBLEM 0001: What is good in art?

SYNOPSIS. In which the problem with "everything is art" is addressed head on. In which the author channels a dead children's book author in order to get to the heart of the problem. In which the qualities of better art are listed in easy-to-read fashion. And where the author is finally stumped by his own questions.