The Artist and the Prophet

This is an interesting little piece on Barbra Steisand, a fun read.
I was captivated by this little line:
Once the outburst (which Streisand later apologized for) was over, Streisand noted that "the artist's role is to disturb," and delivered a message of tolerance before launching into a serenely beautiful rendition of "Somewhere."

It sounds to me that in describing the practice of the artist Steisand has also described role of the prophet, one who stands within the community and brings a word from outside, from the Divine vantage point, that unsettles and disturbs people, shaking the foundations of what they are experiencing or have taken forgranted.

Maybe this helps explain all of the sign acts God commanded of the prophets of Israel. (Just read the wacky stuff Ezekiel was commanded to do!) They were the combination of the prophetic and the artistic, two forms that, at their best, bring a message that disturbs and calls for a response.

I know, nothing profound, but Barb just got me thinking today....