Maya Lin and the Vietnam Memorial

This article was fascinating. A look into the mind of a creator enables the audience to relate the piece to a thorough process that developed over time as opposed to just a product that appeared one day after hours of construction. I find it most interesting that Maya Lin did not originally design the Vietnam Memorial for a competition. Knowing this information, I'm more inclined to appreciate her work for its artistic value alone. Initially, I figured there were more competitive motives during the design process. Often when there is something at stake, people will sacrifice their own preferences for public appeal. Seeing as how Maya Lin was inspired by past memorials and her quest to remember individual lives instead of thematic conclusions, the art seems more genuine and in her case more heartfelt.