I’m listening to the heavy pouring of rain as if it were music. When the raindrops come in contact with the double-walled window, I marvel at them, as though they were a light kiss.

That’s my interpretation of the rain as I write, but if you watched the movie “Parasite,” not everyone has the privilege to view the rain like that.

Some artists are intrigued whenever they hear different theories surrounding their art, while some artists’ main intent is to make the audience feel something—anything.

Music, movies, paintings, sketches, prose, poetry—art comes in the form of anything, really. Sometimes we even refer to people as art. In my contemporary art class last year, I learned that there are classifications as to what we call art. Art isn’t merely anything. But if art could be interpreted differently, here’s my take.

Art comforts. I don’t think anyone could have gotten through this pandemic without Netflix or Spotify. If you did, it’s most probably because you found an alternative or platform that suited you better. It is when we are at our loneliest that a song turns into a warm hug and it is when we are preoccupied that a new episode of our favorite show becomes our own breath of fresh air.

Art is political. Another purpose of art is to spark conversation, and to revolutionize. Art is sometimes used to create a paradigm shift, like the riveting movie “Heneral Luna.” We were taught in elementary school that Emilio Aguinaldo was a hero. However, the film challenged that notion and offered a different perspective. Ultimately, to be an artist means to view things differently, and for your works to be viewed differently.

It’s never too late. If you’re looking for a sign to write a novel, to audition for a record label, this is it. Or perhaps, you’re an artist in a slump. In that case, know that inspiration may bloom out of the most unexpected places, maybe like this essay.

Vincent Van Gogh found some inspiration at age 27 in asylums and hospitals. However, no one really showed their appreciation and understanding for him back then. What the people couldn’t have done for Van Gogh, let us do, for the artists around us and for ourselves, too. It’s never too late to fall in love with art—whatever form it may be. —CONTRIBUTED INQ