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The obvious or the literal has never interested me...
For a long time, I avoided making any published comments regarding my work, primarily because i feel the subject matter should be art and not the artist. The artist is important, of course, but only to the extent that the artist is an instrument through which creativity is expressed. Whether they be performing artists, visual artists or actors, the principal is the same. Credit should be given to a higher source.
I seem to gravitate toward the surreal, particularly as it applies to chess, religion, mythology and duality. "Chaos and Order" is a perfect example, as all four themes are represented. These elements, more than any others, seem to manifest themselves in my art and, at some level, interpret themselves in terms of the other. I believe that I did not choose my art style or philosophy, but rather that it chose me. The elements or subject matter that dominates my work exists in the natural world as well as in the imagination. I simply add composition, color, and a dash of drama.
I feel that if an artist has artistic integrity (a quality that I hope to possess someday), that trait will manifest itself in their art. This is ultimately what gives a particular piece its appeal and impact; signature art is born of truth. While some art may not have broad appeal, if a piece of work incites any response from the viewer, I find it to be the truth, as seen by the artist. The lives of artists are an open book, especially those who have abandoned formality for simplicity. In each image created, there is a piece of their life, a chapter in their autobiography. All humans have an innate need to express themselves. Artists are fortunate in that regard - especially if they possess the creative gift to bring their vision to life.
Art as an entertainment medium has its value, especially if it has no particular direction or agenda and is simply created to amuse the masses. However, I think that, at its core, art is best used to "say something," whether it be controversial, surreal, or sublime. Art should create dialogue, even if it is with one's self.
When I create a piece, I try to suggest, rather than interpret subject matter, leaving space. That's because I think that the greatest gift an artist can give is to create art that invites discussion, alternate interpretation, and opinions. For me, art is very much like music. Like most people, I have a way of interpreting it in terms of my own experiences and unique view of the world. Art speaks to us individually, so we make it our own. Although we hear the same music, our interpretation of the individual notes is different, somewhat like fingerprints, which are unique and individual to us. As an artist, and more importantly as a human being, I truly learned something the day I came to that conclusion.
I believe that art should speak to potential and possibility and should foster the notion that there is something greater than us at play. In the future, should we find ourselves on the brink of exstinction, I don't think that sincere efforts of any politician , scientist or any world power can help to avoid such a fate. Aside from divine intervention, I believe that true art as an "instruments" may have an influence in communicating an alternate direction.
Phrases i wish i had Coined..."Before the artist can paint, the artist must first learn to see"."Great Art has the ability to open the minds of men". "If words could say everything, there would be no need for art". | M.L. Walker |
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