riff@bbs.slv.org on wed 2 apr 97
Just an observation and in no way a criticism of either:
The Canadian/American art discussion is kinda insightful
into the way we identify ourselves as individuals. Indeed,
it seems as though artists have a heightened sense of place,
and that is not surprising. "Time and place" are the major
catagories we use when studying the entire history of art.
I have a feeling that time might play a more important role in
N. American art right now than place. I think we all recognize,
especially here on clayart, that we live all over this globe
in profoundly different enviroments, and sensitivity among us
is expressed daily about how where we live affects us, and how
we affect where we live. To conclude that some abitrary line on
a map affects our efforts more than, say, the elevation at which
we live is questionable. Would a northwest potter's work
change if they were subjected to the daily blazing blue skys
under which I work? A Flordia potter coming to my elevation
of 8,000 feet? Were I to move, I think my work would change,
but not simply because I had moved to a place that has a different
name. I am somewhat uncomfortable that some Canadians seem eager
to establish an identity by nation, but it seems that this is a
trend in all aspects of human experience at this "time". So much
effort is expended today seeking self identity that seperates
instead
of bringing us together to share the common traits we all share as
humans. I can't imagine how frustrating it must be to a Canadian
who feels the need to establish a national identity to watch his
country geographically rip itself apart. This results in an identity
which is based upon what Canada is not, rather than what it is: i.e.
not American. It is not too healthy to base your life, your art,
or your identity upon what you are not. Not good for an entire
country either. America has similar divisions, based on race,
ethnicity, religion, politics, values etc. Perhaps that is
something
we should think about in our work: a good handle fits all hands.
I can not recall ever seeing a pot that put its emphisis
upon seperating its maker from me. That alone makes me feel good
about what I do. (Was that a negative definition? O.K. then, all
the pottery I can recall connects me with its maker.)
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