British commercials have long been known for their creativity and innovation. But from an artistic standpoint, most American advertising, perhaps except for those made for the Super Bowl or the Web, pale in comparison with their British counterparts. And unsurprisingly, British ads have long attracted a huge following in America. “In general, TV advertising has always been a high form of public art in the U.K.,” said Richard Silverstein, co-chairman and creative director of Goodby, Silverstein & Partners. “People over there watch commercials as if they are entertainment.” A  commercial is principally a sales tool. But it can also be art. Perhaps if the American advertising industry were allowed to create more imaginative, aesthetically engaging and thought-provoking commercials, viewers would be less inclined to fast-forward their way through commercial breaks.   (more…)