elizabeth priddy on sat 14 sep 02
online, there is the delete key.
in real life, you can simply choose not to read it.
I like the artist statement when it is about the
artist and not about the work itself.
I think the work should indeed speak solely for
itself and when I see an explanation that is not
historical or technical, but instead a means to
help me understand the "meaning" of it, I tend to
devalue it.
Historical background on a topic that may be
the subject but unfamiliar to the general
public is useful. So is an explanation of technical
details that can increase the interest factor by
posing questions of technique or materials.
An artist statement that is about general background
and techniques employed, and philosophy in general
are interesting and help me "meet the artist" even if
my life has interfered with me making it to the
opening.
But if you feel so insecure as to tell me how it makes
you feel, I am not interested. I don't care how it
makes you feel. I care how it makes me feel. And
for that matter, IF it makes me feel, or think, or
whatever.
Telling me how it should make me feel is insulting.
Telling me what it is made of, what you used to do it,
any background info I need, etc. helps me explore the
work thoroughly. And I appreciate that.
It is like one of the paintings I studied in school, a
macabre midievil painting of a woman walking through
a room with her eyeballs on a silver charger.
I didn't get it until I heard the story of the
Martyrdom of St. So & So.
Then I got it. I already knew how it
made me feel (kind of grossed out, but intrigued).
Good art should make you want to learn more about
whatever the subject is and a good artist statement
should fulfill this desire.
=====
Elizabeth Priddy
epriddyclay@yahoo.com
www.angelfire.com/nc/clayworkshop
252-504-2622
PO Box 2342
Beaufort, NC 28516
__________________________________________________
Do You Yahoo!?
Yahoo! Autos - Get free new car price quotes
http://autos.yahoo.com
| |
|
