Is Art Important?

So, lately I've been mulling over the concept of art. Not the question of "what is art?" because I think it's been beat to death already, but more the question of "does art matter?". and more personally, "does art matter to me?"

As a musician, I've never really approached music from an overly artistic standpoint. I've always thought of myself as a technician that performs music to fulfill a function. Whether as a pit orchestra musician, dinner music pianist, or worship team member, I've generally approached music as a means of serving a larger purpose than the music itself. Even when I was in High School or College orchestra, I never felt all that connected to the music. Looking back, orchestra was mostly a means for me to hone my skill on the bass, and to play concerts for people that would clap.

I know that sounds fairly cynical, but that's where I'm at.

I've spent the last year learning photography and videography, once again for the purpose of facilitating weddings, or other events, but certainly not for art. Lately though, I've been watching a YouTube Channel called the Framed Show (https://www.youtube.com/user/framedshow) and it's had me re-thinking my opinions on art.

I'm a long ways off from turning into a reclusive-anti-social-starving artist, but I do enjoy creating something that evokes an emotion. Maybe because I'm so new to it, I'm still surprised when a single picture can make you stop and think. It makes you wonder what was going on, and look for the story.

In music, there is very little that I've heard or played that has moved me emotionally. I like music that is fun, raucous, and technically adept. (think Stevie Ray Vaughan). But, anything you'd describe as dark, moody, or evocative, is just boring to me, and I'm reaching for the scan button on the radio.

So while art is certainly intriguing and fascinating, is it really important? As I've heard it stated recently, it certainly doesn't matter in the hunter/gatherer paradigm. But does it rank at least as important as say... coffee or socks, or more?

I'll stop there because this post is getting long, but this might be a topic I'll come back to, and I'd be interested to hear your thoughts.