Here's a rule of thumb: wait twenty minutes after eating before going into the water. You'll cramp up if you do.
Now let's think of an exception to that rule. You see your five-year-old daughter is knocked down in some large waves and can't get her footing. You've just had a large pastrami on rye - definitely cramp-inducing fare if I ever saw any. Do you go in the water to help her? Of course you do! It's common sense, right?!
In the art world, we've lost all common sense. We're so intent on continually breaking all the rules that we've thrown out all the rules. Now we're even becoming disenchanted with the exceptions we embraced a moment ago and are ready to throw those out as well.
I predict that in two years, every new piece of artwork will be an empty white room with the same name...'Art'.
July 20, 2005
July 12, 2005
Art - Any Monkey Can Do It
Dumb.
We've been calling ourselves apes for years. Now we're shelling out more cash for art by a dead chimp than dead men.
By now you've all heard the sale of artwork by Congo, a chimpanzee, for $25,000 at auction. (Here's a link for those who haven't: http://abcnews.go.com/Technology/wireStory?id=864843). Congo isn't alive anymore. He died of tuberculosis in '64. But while he was alive he produced a bunch of paintings. And apparently, Howard Hong, the American bidder who purchased the works, thinks they fall in the category of 'modern and contemporary painting'.
Hogwash.
I am an artist. I segued into graphic design as a way of providing reliably for my family. But my roots are firmly planted in painting and drawing. I've worked hard to develop those skills. And now Hong is telling me that this chimp's artwork is worthy of a $25,000 check.
There's an old saying. It goes, "Any monkey can do that." It means the task is so simple that it requires no thought and simple skills. If that is what it takes to make 'modern and contemporary art', count me out.
We've been calling ourselves apes for years. Now we're shelling out more cash for art by a dead chimp than dead men.
By now you've all heard the sale of artwork by Congo, a chimpanzee, for $25,000 at auction. (Here's a link for those who haven't: http://abcnews.go.com/Technology/wireStory?id=864843). Congo isn't alive anymore. He died of tuberculosis in '64. But while he was alive he produced a bunch of paintings. And apparently, Howard Hong, the American bidder who purchased the works, thinks they fall in the category of 'modern and contemporary painting'.
Hogwash.
I am an artist. I segued into graphic design as a way of providing reliably for my family. But my roots are firmly planted in painting and drawing. I've worked hard to develop those skills. And now Hong is telling me that this chimp's artwork is worthy of a $25,000 check.
There's an old saying. It goes, "Any monkey can do that." It means the task is so simple that it requires no thought and simple skills. If that is what it takes to make 'modern and contemporary art', count me out.
July 05, 2005
Art as a Discipline
Many people talk about Karate as a discipline. People who own Karate studios want you to know about all the things you're children can gain from paying the $50 for their lessons. Self-confidence, strength and discipline. Discipline can be called self control or restraint.
Karate itself is also called a discipline. A discipline is a course of study that teaches you a skill or trade. The discipline of karate teaches you how to use your body as a weapon. Look out lumberyards - we're coming for you!
What I'm saying is this: Art should perform similarly as a discipline. It should enlarge the abilities of the disciple - in this case, the artist. Art should be something that an artist can apply themselves to again and again and see improvement with every effort. If the art asks nothing of the artist then it isn't art.
Let's take Jackson Pollock. Dripping paint on canvas takes no trained skill or intense effort. Rockwell proved he could copy Pollocks style with one effort. Could Pollock likewise imitate Rockwell's art? It would require Pollock years of study and training to mimic Rockwell's style. Study and training are the foundation of discipline.
Karate itself is also called a discipline. A discipline is a course of study that teaches you a skill or trade. The discipline of karate teaches you how to use your body as a weapon. Look out lumberyards - we're coming for you!
What I'm saying is this: Art should perform similarly as a discipline. It should enlarge the abilities of the disciple - in this case, the artist. Art should be something that an artist can apply themselves to again and again and see improvement with every effort. If the art asks nothing of the artist then it isn't art.
Let's take Jackson Pollock. Dripping paint on canvas takes no trained skill or intense effort. Rockwell proved he could copy Pollocks style with one effort. Could Pollock likewise imitate Rockwell's art? It would require Pollock years of study and training to mimic Rockwell's style. Study and training are the foundation of discipline.
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