Artist’s
Statement
At one time, beauty was a necessary, even the principle,
quality in works of art. Sometimes beauty alone was sufficient. Today,
beauty is not necessary, and certainly not sufficient. For that matter,
beauty seems almost to be detrimental. My work addresses this issue.
I aim to present, and re-introduce, objects the primary
quality of which is beauty.
One of the hallmarks of beauty was/is that it speaks directly
to, and satisfies, the senses. Its appreciation is unmediated by other
considerations. Consequently, beauty is not perplexing. Nor is it alienating
or threatening.
My work consists of small, glittering, mesmerizing, colourful
bowls. The bowl form, familiar and comforting since pre-history, facilitates
the pre-cognitive and un-mediated appreciation of my work, facilitates,
that is, my work speaking directly to, and satisfying, the senses. The
scale of my work, objects small enough to fit into one's palm, is non-threatening.
In presenting and re-introducing into contemporary art-space
objects as sensual objects, I address the orthodoxy that "... art
must say something" that, paraphrased, art is cognitive. Of course,
any "addressing" enters into a discussion of sorts. As such
my work does "say something", albeit not about states of affairs
as is meant in the claim that "… art must say something ",
but about art, artists and art -making, and as such "says something"
about states of affairs, but only obliquely and at a once removed.
Artist’s
Works
Things of Beauty #168
4.25" x 1.125"
Banner
Images
1) Collection of colourful bowls
2) "ToB #374" , 3 7/16 dia. x 1 7/8 ht.
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