American author Joyce Carol Oates is well-known for her perceptive literary and cultural observations. She made one noteworthy statement that speaks to the depth of people's engagement with art and how they consume it.

As if collecting works of art to decorate their physical spaces, many people amass books, CDs, and other media in their homes, claims Oates. By owning a piece of their work or placing reminders of great artists throughout the house, this practice can be interpreted as an effort to bring them into one's life. She contends, however, that having these things does not always equate to having a genuine interest in the artist's work.

Consider having a flower-filled garden to demonstrate this point. Maintaining an appearance rather than fostering a relationship is more important than having a deep connection to the essence of each flower; simply planting and caring for these plants does not imply that. Similar to having those flowers in your home, owning books by your favorite author or CDs of their music may not promote a profound understanding or appreciation, but it does create a visual presence.

According to Oates, meaningful interaction with art and artists encompasses more than just ownership; it also involves active reading, listening, introspection, and interpersonal relationships. Instead of merely gathering pieces as décor, it entails becoming fully immersed in the artist's work and investigating their concepts and feelings.

This viewpoint challenges people to think about how they engage with art and what it means to genuinely value a creator's creation. Oates challenges us to consider whether we are actively interacting with the spirit of that artist's work and their message rather than merely amassing media or items.