Today, As I was walking out of the
building @ work, I stopped in as the staff was hanging a new art show
in the gallery space. The theme is “Cultural Passages” and this
annual show's artists are all young adults who are disabled in one
way or another. Some are physically challenged, some are mentally or
psychologically ill, yet all are amazing emerging artists and the
viewer would have no clue whatsoever that the group of men and women
are any different than the next person- if it was not
publicized.
{Are they different?}
Apples or Oranges?
My boss and I were chatting as I went
through the space admiring the work. She was explaining to me about
the specific displaying requirements of this national show. The
pieces were hung lower than usual to accommodate wheelchair viewers.
The bios [which were warmly written and unpretentious, thank
Godzilla] were printed up in a larger-than-usual font size, to
accommodate the visually impaired, and a braille guide book is also
available to anyone who may need it.
I Love You
There were paintings,
mono-prints, photographs, video installations and illustrations. Some
pieces were soothing to look at, others incited uncomfortable
emotions and a few simply drew me in with pensive charm. All were
worthy of being sincerely deemed ART, which is not a
label I toss about lightly. Oh sure, I encourage everyone to
be creative and try making some art during their adult lives, but
not all creative people are artists. Sorry
if I sound judge-y, but I include 75% of the famous “artists” out
there in this crapegory. There is a boatload of g'ARTbage out
there, unfortunately much gets the press and loot to boot. Many
“artists” are merely technically talented with the media they
use, yet the message is void or falls flat- but the public knows not
the difference so these turds make bank. Although becoming wealthy
via art is a dream many of us creative/arty types fantasize about,
those of us who live in the throes of our creative passions are happy
to sell pieces when ever we do, at prices we find appropriate.
Creating for the sheer necessity in and of itself and experiencing
joy in doing so is what being an artist is. Other than that,
one is either a handy craftsman- or is contemptibly obnoxious. I know
both aforementioned types and steer clear.
Oink
I personally make a variety
of art. Some is utilitarian, some is not. Some of the creative
endeavors I indulge in fall under the taboo craft category [I
am not ashamed, nor will I insist you call it fine art]
and others are just fun nonsense, often with googly eyes and/or
glitter. I know the difference and price accordingly, or I
happily gift much of it away.
Thanks, but what is it?
As I was looking at the work
which was displayed today, I noticed myself bubbling up with some
intense feelings. Not because I was all sappy and emo about the
show's diverse content or it's underlying current, but because I too
want to effect people with my art (more than I currently am,) be it
in the utilitarian or fine art format. I want people to
feel the feelings I am experiencing along with me, first-hand,
through my art. I want to provoke more thought in people as
well. Sure, sometimes beautiful objects are simply inspiring in and
of themselves in their own right as well, but I want more. I
need more. And I want to share that rich marrow of life with
others. I feel as if it is my responsibility as an artist as well, to
contribute to the building up of the current culture we live in. It
cannot be left to the pop fad creators any longer, with such sub-par
drivel being mass produced for the sheeple. That's irresponsible and
plays to the lowest common denominator. Times are evolving and so
should the mirroring of it evolve. I am more than happy to do my
meagre part.
Getting you from A to B now even faster!
I want to share with whoever
appreciates or seeks out art- my own soul-full reverie and expansion,
joy and bliss, humor and sass... and of course- Love. I want people
to look at it, to hold it and to feel it deeply and congruently
enough that they are naturally inspired to pass those expressions on
to others as well. A passive yet direct engaging with kindred souls.
Yum.
There's no place like OM...
Off and on, in my creative
past, I have made waves of expressive art which did inspire esoteric
thought or profound emotion etc, in small bits. Years have come and
gone since I regularly created with that type of potency, and
mostly- not since I worked primarily as a photographer. Art
modalities and materials have shifted and morphed, as have I. Time to
bring my cyclic life full circle and return to the passion beneath
the passion. Flow forth from the deep well of intention.
And create
like my life depends on it... because it does.
Making art is the bees knees!
