Those of you who read much, what do you remember the saints saying about art, at least as far as it's relationship to salvation?

I remember vaguely something St. John Bosco said that made it sound like it is not desirable to be artisans, as if they are lesser people, at least regarding sanctity.

That makes sense to me, though I don't think it is strictly necessarily so, but such people are likely going to be more involved in their art than in prayer, good works, and growing in love of God. Art isn't a necessity. If someone is naturally gifted with artistic talent, perhaps God has some specific purpose for them, but otherwise I think art is mostly a skill learned through study and practice. I see no problem with it if someone first reaches a high level of sanctity, and is then moved to make works of art motivated by perfect charity; or if a superior orders a work of art for good purpose.

But otherwise, I think it can be a distraction, vanity, and unwise considering it is the study and practice of a sort of worldly pleasure, though generally of a much higher form at least because of the significant intellectual aspect among other reasons. Still, it can be and often is a means of developing a love for the world and things that pass away. It is a means of bringing heaven down to earth, where it doesn't belong, and where we are not to remain. It brings a piece of heaven down to earth, something that is dangerous while we have the effects of original sin, because it can cause us to become content with this life. Not to worry, there will be endless art of every kind in the highest perfection in heaven to enjoy for eternity, so long as we make sure we get there.

I think I understand now in part how some of the saints could despise any beauty and pleasure in this life.

I'm not saying that the earth should be completely devoid of art. Art would come as naturally as it is found in nature, sort of like in animal nests, but much better. It will happen as people look after their necessities by building houses, tools, farming and gardening, and recreating. As far as recreation goes, how much do we really need? Why not seek it from God, from the Holy Spirit the Comforter, when nobody else is around to have fun with? instead of seeking it from worldly things.

What does art matter if it will pass away, and us too, if our good works are what matters? Even the grand beauty found in churches, though in part a means to help raise people's minds to God, may so distract and occupy the senses as to prevent some from meditating on what is most important there, though least sensual.

Thanks for your input.

Everything in moderation. We live in a time of great excess in everything, so any problems that I see associated with art may have been almost nonexistent before a few centuries ago. It's an interesting subject none the less.

By the way the only time nudity should be in art is Adam and Eve pre fall because they didn’t have original sin. 

I see your point, St. Giles, but I beg to differ. If I'm remembering correctly, some saints have said that the Mass is "Heaven on earth" in a way, so I don't see a problem with art lifting our minds towards Heaven. Also, your temperament might make a difference in your opinions on art.

Western civilization is not formed just by the Roman Catechism or the Lateran councils. It is formed by the literature, poetry, statuary, and painting of the ancients and medievals who spoke to their people and reinforced a certain moral vision through great art (and not just explicitly religious art, mind you).

Yes, and in centuries past cultured people were expected to know about art as part of being considered accomplished. Art in its various good forms is a substantial part of what makes Western civilization as unsurpassed and great as it is.