There are two kinds of people in the world: those who will answer the phone every time it rings, and those who glance at the read-out, determine that they don't know anyone named, say, C U Later, and decline to pick up the call. While the first category is dwindling in number, I happen to live with one of its last, dedicated members; my home is visited by wrong numbers, panhandling police and firemen, and both political parties--none of which I have much interest in chatting with.
One of the few groups I readily belong to is that bunch of people who don't like to communicate by phone, especially with people we don't know. This renders us incompatible with the values of this electronic society. Take the "Twitter" question: "What are you doing?" Why would that be of interest to you, unless I've promised you I'd do this or that at this particular moment, and I failed to show. Moreover, why would it be of interest to me that you know what I'm doing, especially on some casual level? My privacy seems to be linked to my independence: What am I doiong? I'm doing what I want to do.
With several of the arts--perhaps all--there is the paradox of engagement: the purpose of communicating with others frustrating its method of solitary artmaking. I hope I live long enough to see what effect the current electronic frenzy has on writing and painting.
PW
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Discussions about art and what makes it happen.
Upon further Reflection on my Father
About Me
- Priscilla Wallace
- My first attempt to enter the world of fine art was through academic painting at the University of Texas at Austin. I learned what painting was, and, disappointingly, that I couldn’t do it. I left painting as one would leave a failed marriage. It was some years later that I approached making art through making crafts. Since then, I have come to regard fine crafts as fine art: The difference between the two exist on a theoretical level only, because a line separating them cannot be drawn—at least, not for me. In a world made of both “art” and “craft” I have found my home. My artwork seems to best be called “Crafted Paintings.” Still mindful of the principles of design, they are part collage, part mixed media painting, part constructions. They are likely to run off in any of these directions, or others, as the spirit moves them. That spirit expands most successfully when it is beautiful, whimsical, colorful, and rich. These pieces celebrate life in one aspect of it or another, and they seek to create joy in the heart of the viewer. View my art at www.artbycollage.com
Places currenly showing Priscilla's Art
- Mountain Micro Systems (828-438-9456)
- Hair and Nails Unlimited (828-433-0894)
- Valdese Heritage Arts Center (828-874-1849)
- Urban Artware (336-722-2345)
- Full Circle Arts (828-322-7545)
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4 comments:
I have finally visited Priscilla's blogspot and am enjoying it tremendously. I have commented on, I believe, her July 3rd entry. Go check it out.
I think in the age of faceless communication we are losing the ability to engage with people on a deeper level. Good conversation and communication take time. Creating art takes time and for the viewer to engage the art takes time. Perhpas instant engagement of Twitter begats trivia. In conversation you often begin with trivia and gradually get into important things. When poeeple who are indulging in instant vacuous "chat" are faced with a fully thought out developed piece of art, is it overwhelming, or do they just superficially peruse it and move on because their habits of engagement are cursory?
OK, so I am the one who always answers the phone. But I must correct this assertion. Now that we have caller ID I, too, choose not to answer sometimes - just less often than you do... But to the debate:
If I know a person, I actually prefer to communicate by 'phone. If I don't, then I find writing (but briefly) easier. I'm not sure whether I am just lazy or merely do not trust my writing skills. But, on the positive side, I set much store on tone of voice and body language (when communicating in person).
Regarding Twitter et al I totally agree with both you, Priscilla, and Eugenie. Exchanging inanities with the world at large or documentating everyone's immediate doings, including my own, holds no appeal for me whatsoever. As for the implications of this turn of events for art, I guess we already have instant art and throw away art. Sense bites become smaller and shorter. Anything requiring sustained contemplation is being re-formatted. I wonder what this is doing to our brains? Where is serenity in this over-stimulating environment? No wonder there is so much stuff published (in mini bites with instant results, of course) to help us reduce our stress level.
Maybe I/we are just confirming the fact that we're getting old...
Katherine
I worry about the habit of cursory looking--so that it couldn't occur to the viewer that a slower, pondering gaze is needed. This, of course, is just speculation: I can remember when television was first coming out that everyone was saying that the day of movies was over. Nothing could be further from the truth! But I think this habit of "swift encounter" does affect the art maker in that she will expect to finish a piece on the first attempt, and that a competing need will be to "get back in touch" with her electronic contacts. This draws one away from the studio.
Guess we'll see, those of us who live long enough!
PW
....as for your comments, Katherine, I just have to say that the increase in casual or (Heaven help us!) "throw away art" is overwhelmingly depressing. Bring on more junk!
I'm remembering that in times when the world is engaged in hyper sensationalism and consumerism, there is an increase in the numbers of those who apply for admittance to religious orders, especially the contemplative ones. It makes sense, doesn't it: as if the human soul can take just so much noise and busy-ness and superficiality. It longs to get away to the quiet.
I think that's where we engage with art.
Just my opinion, huh.
PW
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