In the current society where practical values are celebrated and there is a lack of intellectual activity based on a long-term vision and honest effort, it is not easy to aspire to choose a path in the arts. There are some people who regard being an artist as a failure in the extreme, unless everyone recognizes that person as "professional".

But is that really true? The French philosopher Roland Barthes once wrote about the idea of the "amateur" (in opposition of professionals): "The amateur is one who follows their own enjoyment ('amator <amateur>' is one who loves and continues to love). This means anything but a hero (of creator of performance)." (From Roland Barthes by Roland Barthes) Barthes indeed
himself was a rare author who persisted with love as an amateur as such. The French literature scholar, Shigehiko Hasumi described Barthes as "the prominent paradox of a pure amateur devoted to being a professional."

A paradox. The more you live sincerely your own life without depending on the values of others, the harder it gets to escape from it. All the arts have been born from this paradox. Paradoxes of life indeed become the energy of an artwork, influencing many artists to be artists. Art is not something that is 100% derived from a pure environment or way of living.

For all of you in the graduating class, no doubt you know how richer a life can be with making and looking at art. For this reason, paradoxes should not be feared. Believe in yourself and one day you will be free from them. In the end, it is essentially not about being a pro or an amateur. People or the time you live in may betray you, but your works will never. If you swim in
the sea of paradox with your works as your friend, you will never be alone.

Mariko Takeuchi
Director
Department of Fine and Applied Arts
Kyoto University of the Arts