re: "i love art"...

had a great (to some...) conversation on Saturday night re: "what is art?"...

one definition:
"the conscious use of skill and creative imagination especially in the production of aesthetic objects..."

I used the term 'sincerity'...in my definition of what is art, meaning that one (an artist) must have it (sincerity) in their intent...in order for something to qualify as art to me.

some of the others involved had various definitions or explanations that generally followed the same lines except that one participant was adamant in the declaration that art (as a generalization) needed to blessed as such by someone possessing a formal education (or long experience) in order for it to qualify as legitimate art.

(PS: after talking the subect with my friend JM this evening over a beer, he called total BS on that theory...)

there was a statement that nothing was art until someone, other than whoever made it , saw it, thus completing the process of (sub)-creation and sharing.

I spoke of the uneducated "artist", such as myself, who possess no formal education in any type of art...which led me to disagree (strongly) with the whole sanctifying process mentioned above... I find it impossible to articulate a criticism based on education (having none myself), and difficult to articulate a criticism based on experience (being limited in many areas), so I base what I believe to be art on how I feel about it on an intuitive level. My response to composition, forms, proportion, color and material usage, etc either feels right to me or it doesn't. That intuition combined with my judgement of intent (including sincerity) forms the basis of my opinion of whether something is art or not (leaving out the final judgement of good art/bad art argument of course).

My intent, when doing my "art" is to express myself, either conceptually or emotionally, in forms that I find to be appealing and representational of what I feel (through intuition) are my base aesthetic values; being materials usage, proportion, color, texture, etc... Being what I term as a modernist, these values usually fall into the "truth and simplicity" categories, which is either a direct result of an uneducated mind finding comfort in the simplicity, or just pure dumb luck in finding (or trusting) those inherent qualities early in life. While I tend to believe that simple is harder (mainly as experienced through architecture) and it is good to explore that core structure of base values thoroughly, it is also one of my beliefs that only through pushing oneself into other areas less comfortable that we truly face our fears of experimentation in our craft(s).

"i love art..."

I have had this conversation many times with many people...and I always wonder about the statement "I love art"...
Whether it is said in conversation, written in an e-mail or posted on someones profile page...there are so many people that say it. But how many people really do? What does it mean to "love art"? Is it a once a year excursion to a festival? Going to a museum a couple of times a year? Occasionally attending an art opening at a local gallery? Is it hanging on their walls? Sitting on the mantle? Do they draw? Paint? Sculpt?
"I love art"...
For myself, I do love art. I love art in all ways possible. I make art. I go see art. I host shows in my studio. I curate exhibits. I help out hanging art shows, sitting on committees, attending opening and fundraisers, sending out e-vites to every show I know of. I enjoy the people. I enjoy the spectacle. The dance...
Every time I send out an invitation I like to see how many people show up to see the show. My e-mail is large and diverse. From family and friends to acquaintances. Business associates and clients. People I know well to people I hardly know at all. But they all get the invite. Come see this show. Come love this art. Come see these people. See old friends or meet someone new.

Embrace the statement that you make, "I love art".

My next show is May 19th at the Line Gallery at Joe and Angela Slack's. It's my next opportunity to love art. It's my next opportunity to make art. It's my next opportunity to stand under the bright lights and say "This is who I am". It is my stage. It is my dance.

I have know idea if anything I make is good or not. That's not really the point. The purpose is to challenge myself to explore the possibilities of why I'm on this rock and what can I do to participate in this Grand Dance of life and living. Exploring the feelings in my heart and using the knowledge of my mind and the skills of my hand to express these emotions, thoughts, hopes and dreams that are....me.

If you are on my list, read this blog or are acutely in tune with art in this town, you will get another invitation to come love art.

It is my hope that you do.

thoughts on the show coming up...

a heart held between two...
(desire)

a cradled child...
(emotional resolution)

a lighted path...
(comfort)

a soaring spirit...
(freedom)

happiness shines through...
(hope)

god...(or is that God?)...
(spiritual resolution)

with me without you...with you without me...with me with you
(understanding)

Upcoming shows, etc.

Art Exhibit
Joe Slack, William Struby, Skip Hill, me
May 19th, Slack Gallery
NW 46th & Portland Avenue
6:00PM

Guest Artist
Studio Six in the Paseo
May 26, 27 & 28
Paseo Festival