"If something is worth hearing or listening to, it's very probably worth reading (or seeing). This above all: Find your own voice."
--Christopher Hitchens
The artist must find his own voice. The "what" of the work, belongs to the artist. The "what" he is passionate about, "what" he loves. No one can say what his "what" should be. One way to find the "what", is when you go out into the world, to the museum, to look at work, be aware what gets your attention. Make a note, when you return to the studio, look at your own work, ask questions. Does your work have what you love in the work of others? If not, why not?
The "how", is a different story. This belongs to the viewer. It is the artist's responsibility to never bore the viewer. He must always work to the best of his ability. If the viewer sees the work, and thinks, "I've seen that before." It is the fault of the artist. The artists' process is a performance. Though he is alone in the studio when he creates the work, his process will show in the completed work, which is simply what is left when the process is complete.
It is with this series of Still Life Revisited. I am looking for my own way to "say" it. My own way to "paint" it. My own way to "use color". I am seeking my own voice.
"When we write poem, (paint paintings), the history of poetry (painting) is with us, pre-inscribed in the white of the page". --Jen Bervin. On the other hand, "None of the words Miss Stein uses have ever had any experience. They are no older than her use of them." --Laura Riding's comment about Gertrude Stein
She thus puts into play questions of ownership, who owns the words (images) we use, whether owning them is as suggestive and complicated as owning a cloud in the sky.
Our experiences as human beings can be universal, but the way we talk about our experiences is unique, or should be.
4 comments:
Annell, I like reading your philosophies. I agree very much with your last paragraph. I hadn't thought about it before. Now that I read it, i find myself nodding, thinking: How profound! Thank you!
These just keep getting better and better Annell.
I really think you have found your voice with this series. I would be happy to own any one of these. Will they be listed for sale at the gallery?
I've been thinking about this all week! Everything you said and quoted. Even when we contemplate the same things, our voice can and should be unique.
I must say, your art is that, very distinct and beautiful.
So well said. Artists connect us through the voice they give to common experience and feeling. They make it look easy, but we mustn't forget that it is art.
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