Saturday, August 27, 2011
Oh, How I Just Love Surprises!
This greeted me when I arrived at McColl Center for Visual Art in Charlotte, NC today:
Yep.
Tuesday, August 16, 2011
Saturday, August 13, 2011
I'm Doing It Again!
The last time that I finished up work for a massive show then had down time, I created a myriad of 1/6th scale tableaus that I painstakingly set up and photographed as a counterbalance to "serious" art. History is repeating itself, although perhaps more intelligently this time, since I'm really trying to create a confusion between what is a miniature set and what is a real room. I had starting going this route about a year and a half ago, but didn't have the wherewithal at the time to keep pushing the limit, but I've create some scenes this weekend that have come out pretty well:
This is a redo of one that I tried last year. I used flash this time to simulate the look of a point-and-shoot camera in an actual room. I think it's more convincing that even lighting.
When I began the first one, I thought it might just be a pointless redo of my previous kitchen scene, but I like the vantage point here a bit better. If you just give it a once over, it's pretty convincing.
So, this is pretty much the series. I'm going to probably move on. The bad thing about the "Hoarders"-inspired scenes is that, while amusing, they make their point rather quickly.
This is a redo of one that I tried last year. I used flash this time to simulate the look of a point-and-shoot camera in an actual room. I think it's more convincing that even lighting.
When I began the first one, I thought it might just be a pointless redo of my previous kitchen scene, but I like the vantage point here a bit better. If you just give it a once over, it's pretty convincing.
So, this is pretty much the series. I'm going to probably move on. The bad thing about the "Hoarders"-inspired scenes is that, while amusing, they make their point rather quickly.
Monday, August 8, 2011
Wednesday, July 27, 2011
Almost Ready!
I haven't written lately, as I've been working long hours to crank out the last of the solo show art. In about 10 days, the green and gray rubbermaid totes that I have stacked floor-to-ceiling in my living room will be shipped out to NC. (I'll be happy to have the space back!) There are roughly five pieces that will be going, but you'll have to wait ntil next month to see what they are. That said, I finally feel good about the quantity and quality of the pieces that will be on display. I think I have a cohesive body of work, knock on wood. There are still things that I could nit-pick, but I'm come to an important realization: if I don't take the leap of faith and just show the damn things already, then there's really no point in undertaking this arduous process. Gotta start somewhere and waiting for perfection ain't it.
OK, so I do want to share one thing, but only because it's gross and I can't believe that I made it. Isn't it funny how work can get away from you and you have no idea where in the hell it came from? Usually when I speak, my uttered thoughts are not a surprise to me. If they were, I suppose I'd feel possessed. However, when I made art, I have no idea what my brain will dream up. As creator, I am merely along for the ride.
OK, so I do want to share one thing, but only because it's gross and I can't believe that I made it. Isn't it funny how work can get away from you and you have no idea where in the hell it came from? Usually when I speak, my uttered thoughts are not a surprise to me. If they were, I suppose I'd feel possessed. However, when I made art, I have no idea what my brain will dream up. As creator, I am merely along for the ride.
Saturday, June 18, 2011
The Recognizable Vs. The Absurd
What is art? What defines it? Is it skill, process, intent or a combination of all three? If a piece is made using only skill, you get only craftsmanship. If a piece is made using only process you get disjointed parts and if a piece is made using only intent the end result can be too pointedly specific to be interesting. Good art, art that "works" is a variable of all three qualities. Unfortunately, most people who see art, not to be confused with art viewers, get stuck on a very limited interpretation of what constitutes art. Most of it is classically-based, conventional, oil painting and figurative sculpture and everything else is just "stupid, ugly, pointless or confusing." This is an unfortunate viewpoint, as the point of visual art is to uplift, inspire and even educate. One only has to be open for the experience.
Not sure how to remedy this. I just think it's damn unfortunate that 99% of the people are only open to 9% of what is out there. I think it's rooted in the fact that our public school arts education potential was scrapped long ago due to budget cuts, etc. It's on the viewer to educate themselves about art/ art history, cinema, music, dance, drama and the like. I could take the road that supposes " people are stupid" but I don't believe that. I suppose after a certain point in one's life (high school or college) if one hasn't been exposed to a certain way of thinking, then there is a very good chance that they will never be open to it. Most people would rather be entertained than elucidated.
Not sure how to remedy this. I just think it's damn unfortunate that 99% of the people are only open to 9% of what is out there. I think it's rooted in the fact that our public school arts education potential was scrapped long ago due to budget cuts, etc. It's on the viewer to educate themselves about art/ art history, cinema, music, dance, drama and the like. I could take the road that supposes " people are stupid" but I don't believe that. I suppose after a certain point in one's life (high school or college) if one hasn't been exposed to a certain way of thinking, then there is a very good chance that they will never be open to it. Most people would rather be entertained than elucidated.
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