Two people were interviewed individually and asked the following five questions. Their responses are integrated below.
- How does the subconscious play a role in our everyday lives?
"We are influenced by our subconscious whether we acknowledge it or not. Sometimes it has the power to take over. There are layers of functioning, the subconscious runs in parallel to conscious action to enhance, protect and disturb us. Our defenses are a result of subconscious influence. The subconscious is an additional depth to us - our true desire and natural reaction. It is uninhibited (Smith)."
"We are all motivated without realizing it. Thought is often expressed unintentionally in the form of a Freudian slip or in dreams and serves as a reminder to and a balance of our consciousness (Dwyer)."
- How might an artistic movement such as Surrealism challenge the status quo?
"Art in itself is a statement, a social commentary or controversy. Those who identify with the movement's philosophy propel it forward, creating strength in numbers. It is like a political party vying for power based on its convictions (Smith)."
"The status quo represents the conscious and art the collective unconscious. The challenge is a proof of the presence of the truth, and that the subconscious asserts an even deeper truth (Dwyer)."
- What constitutes a work of art?
"Something that makes you look again, that touches you personally on an emotional level. Collectively, traditional works of art are appreciated for their style or technique (Smith)."
"If something is pure and driven by honesty it portrays a greater depth. A work of art connects with the collective unconscious and individual consciousness to summon our attention. A visible talent to express this connection both at the moment and afterward plays a large part (Dwyer)."
- How does an author's personality and emotion manifest itself in fiction?
"The author comes through in the character's action and dialogue. It is also seen in that character's relationship throughout the work in the form of biographical nuances. The author's beliefs are seen in the outside activities and in a sense the whole process could be seen to be something akin to wish fulfillment (Smith)."
"Most fiction is autobiographical and profoundly personal. The subject provokes emotions in the reader though empathy (Dwyer)."
- How might public expectations affect an artist's creativity?
"There are two opposite poles - those who disregard the public and those who seek only to profit from producing what is expected. Somewhere in between are those who seek to satisfy followers or a readership. The personal philosophy will determine which type of artist one will be (Smith)."
"Most artists these days are under great pressure to adhere to public expectations in order to make a living. They are faced with the daunting task of choosing to live poor for the sake of integrity or to sell out to live. There are a select lucky few that can make a living while still maintaining their integrity but these are the minority (Dwyer)."
