Ceramic Design Group on sat 17 mar 01
I have read all the posts regarding this subject over the past few weeks and
am wondering why this has elicited such harsh and emotional responses from
many on the list. I really don't see what all the fuss is about. I'd like to
present an opinion as to my thinking on this subject and some thoughts on
process as to how I handle this type of situation.
As an artist/craftsperson, I have always felt that there is a certain
cultural stratification in how we are regarded in a cultural context.
Further, I acknowledge that there is a degree of not valuing the arts in our
culture, in a broad sense. Yes there are communities in which the arts
flourish. There are organizations that are very visible in promoting the
arts. And that there are individuals that toil endlessly to promote the arts
as an integral, important, and necessary part of our culture.
However, given that we occupy a rather small niche in our culture and that
if we are not supported externally, say in the way that major sports
organizations are, or in the way that "athletes as cultural hero and icon"
are, or in how our culture beatifies film stars and entertainment are
glamorized or extolled. We must take responsibility for ourselves. No one
is really going to do it for us. For me, this is a given fact. Sure there
are small currents in the publishing world that are devoted to the arts and
the crafts, groups that work as advocates for the arts, but by and large,
we are a small, yet vocal minority. If we wish to gain the recognition that
we so rightly deserve, then we also assume a certain degree of risk taking.
And this is precisely the need to promote ourselves and/or our colleagues,
or organizations and groups. But the real emphasis must be on promoting
ourselves. And in ways that may or may not be mainstream.
In the publishing world, many of us have had such honors bestowed upon us
either by us soliciting them, or by those who do the publishing asking us to
contribute. Either way, if we choose to contribute, then this adds value
not only to each of us as individuals, but also sheds a high degree of
credibility and validation to the arts as a whole.
The above premises work, at least for me. So how have I chosen to work
within a fairly constrained system, one that has the ability to add value
and recognition to me, if I choose?
In my career as an artist/potter/craftsperson/designer, I have been both
asked as well as have initiated my contributions through participating on
panels, writing, and having my work as well as my thinking featured in many
venues. I consider it an honor. I am both humbled, flattered, joyous, and
encouraged at such requests.
I have maintained archives (for lack of better words) of my work and career
landmarks for many years. This includes updating my vitae, photographing my
work, and maintaining an exhibition record, albeit small, but nonetheless
fairly prolific over time. Everything is documented. This advances my
career, chronologically, in small steps. What this leads to is that when and
if I am asked for materials, they are readily available. When having my work
photographed, we shoot in various formats i.e. 35mm slides, 4x5
transparencies, and black and white negatives. All my bases are covered for
whatever the end result needs to be. I take the risk and shoulder the
expenses knowing that if I don't have the materials, I'll have nothing to
submit when the time comes. And for me these times do come. I can then
respond in a timely manner with appropriate materials.
I have never requested financial compensation for photographs of my work.
It has really never been an issue for me. The compensation of being included
is enough. I am grateful for having my work reproduced, and recognize that
this is part of the bargain I have made with myself as an artist.
If I write for publication, some publications pay a set amount for each word
and so much for any photographs. Some publications pay a set amount for an
article that is designed to fit in a particular section in the magazine,
such as CM paying a set amount for accepted submissions for their "Comment"
section at the back of teach issue. Some publications don't pay anything.
But for me, it is an honor enough to be included. Any financial compensation
while sure, would be nice, but pales in light of being included in a
publication.
I have the right to choose, and it is all choice, to select in which venues
and in what ways I want to be represented. No one is holding a gun to my
head and demanding that it be such and such a way. It is my choice. And
again, it is part of an "unspoken bargain" that I have with myself. If I
want recognition for my work, myself and my career, then I accept certain
parameters. It has worked for me.
For instance, a few years ago there was a call for submissions for work to
be selected for the first issue of "The Best of Pottery." My thinking was
that it would be foolish not to submit. I had 2 pieces included. I also
purchased a few additional copies of this beautiful book as gifts to others
who had helped me in advancing my career. I had the color photographs as
well as the color transparencies available. I incurred their costs as well
as the extra costs of the additional copies of the publication. My small
investment in both time and money has returned to me many times over. Net
gain, huge to me. A win-win situation.
There are times that if we really want something , we find ways to do it.
Sometimes doesn't cost, or it costs a very small amount. But the dividends
you reap are far in excess of the investment. Further it pays in ways that
are not measurable in monetary amounts or tangible at that time. I am
surprised that this thread was not more fully explored in some of the
earlier postings, or it may have and I just didn't receive them.
The point is, at least for me, is to look at the big picture of what is
involved. It would be myopic for me just to look at being compensated for
the images. The macro-view is being able to see how my career may be
enhanced, my reputation as an artist increased, and how this exposure really
benefits all of us in that artists can attain a degree of cultural
validation.
Jonathan Kaplan
Ceramic Design Group
PO Box 775112
Steamboat Springs CO 80477
voice and fax 970 879-9139
jdkaplan@cmn.net
info@ceramicdesigngroup.net
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