Hluch - Kevin A. on mon 4 feb 02
Without a doubt, Gavin was pissed. When he awoke Alice had already
left for class. He had better hurry or he would be late again to
Professor Wilson's lecture.
Arriving at the lecture hall, Gavin slid into the empty seat next to
Alice. Dr. Wilson's "Art and Aesthetics" class was well underway as
Gavin clumsily drew attention to his tardiness. A brief frown flashed
across Alice's face as she realized the professor was also distracted by
his late arrival.
Oblivious to the commotion he raised, Gavin strained to catch the
professor's words as he simultaneously shifted his knee so that he could
rub it to and fro against Alice's.
"As I was saying...." Dr. Wilson spoke expansively, trying to
regain his place but also noting Gavin's knee methodically pressing
against his most favorite student's leg.
"Peter Milkous's work, like that of many late modernist painters,
is undeniably GOOD art and, I might add, has lasting value. Fortunately,
as a result of continuous media coverage his life is an open
book. Of the ancient historical potters the world over, we know
practically nothing of their private lives. But we can, so to speak,
stand in this man's contemporary shoes.
We know, for example, of his friendships with the abstractionist
painters. We also admire his close relationship with the editors of
craft periodicals, including the editor of "Craft and Beyond". She was a
helpful personal friend, promoter, patron and athletic supporter...oh,
excuse me, AESTHETIC supporter of Mr. Milkous.
Without understanding these relationships, his art might have
passed away like other craft detritus that has been lost in landfill of
time. I might add parenthetically that there is quite a bit of LEACHATE
flowing about in any case," Dr. Wilson noted mischievously and without
acknowledgment from his students.
But the professor carried on, now quite full of himself, "We also
know much about Mr. Milkous's teaching. Or, as one might more accurately
say: his PEDAGOGICAL STANCE. His quarrels with the staid, stodgy
academics who desperately attempted to thwart his creative development was
significant in his development. The solidification his aesthetic backbone
to its present length and girth occurred precisely during this period.
In addition, we are cognizant of his experimentation with various
mind and mood altering chemicals The repetitive issues of addiction,
rehabilitation, and the impetus these experiences had on the development
of his artistic career throughout his life was staggering. This, of
course, is not to ignore his rather monotonous machismo imbibing of
spirits that had such an effect on the various female admirers who sought
to open themselves to his giant .........spirit!.
In short, his life is an open book and THIS...THIS is what makes his
art such a stupendous achievement against all odds. This bears
repeating: knowledge of the man gives a foundation for judgment. In
evaluating ART, misunderstanding the man means misunderstanding the work.
And what is the point of all of this art goodness? How did Peter
Milkous, with all his faults, imperfections and personal defects transform
pottery from the pablum of respectability to avante guard aesthetically
SIGNIFICANT ceramic sculpture?....
Who knows? And quite frankly who cares? But we understand his
WORK because we understand HIM.
Lay persons who do not appreciate contemporary art simply do not
know enough about the artist as a PERSON. With a deep understanding of
the personal motivations, idiosyncrasies, prejudices and, I must add,
DEMONS we begin to see the origins of Milkous's greatness. Briefly, my
students...Learn about the individual and there you will find the SOURCE
of all that is IMPORTANT in the art world.
Finishing his lecture, Dr. Wilson centered a furtive glance at the
receding dark space cast by the shadow of Alices very short skirt.
"Maybe she would be up for coffee later?" he pondered to
himself...With a mental chuckle, he added, "I certainly would be."
Kevin A. Hluch
e-mail: kahluch@umd5.umd.edu
http://www.erols.com/mhluch/mudslinger.html
Katheleen Nez on tue 5 feb 02
Dear Kevin: Once, again, You Are Funny!
When is Dr. Wilson going to lecture on Jorge Oro?...
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