January 30, 2007

• weltanschauung.blogspot.com. Interesting site, but i have this sort of instant dislike of artists statements. As opposed to discussion about art or famous artists commenting, but - see? Right there, now I'm already not cool and missing the point. Which makes me think that whatever caused my not coolness is totally not cool. And that's what it's about, maaaan. Or something.
• There is a certain feeling that, in the visual arts especially, the art should speak for itself--that if the artist comes out and TELLS you what it's all about, if he or she writes a long dissertation on what was going on here, then in a sense he or she is undermining the integrity of his or her own work. Whether that's true or not, it does trigger the kneejerk reaction that I think pete is talking about--that once the artist says, "Well, what I was doing here, what I was trying to bring forward in this piece..." the listener is thinking, "Oh boy, pretentiousness coming up in 3...2...1..." Conversely, when people like David Lynch won't talk about what their work means, then that's viewed as pretention. So I dunno. I like lookin' at pitchers, tho.
• I am also interested in spiritualism - not necessarily in the sense that the living communicate with the dead, but more in the sense that I question where our energy goes after we die. Interesting question, that is. But we'll all find out though we maybe we'll not be that interested in passing along the information to the living.
• Interesting question, that is. But we'll all find out though we maybe we'll not be that interested in passing along the information to the living. That assumes conciousness after death. We may never find out. But I won't touch that any further. Carry on.
• Whenever I'm asked to include a statement, I always put: [insert overly complex artist's statement here] For god's sake, it's just a lemur with a rifle, buddy! However, I have been asked to write a feature piece on my work for a US magazine. Christ knows what I'm going to say...
• Make quid write it for you. I'm serious.
• "Just because you like my stuff doesn't mean I owe you anything" -Bob Dylan
• Ooh! Ooh! I can help! *ahem* "You dozy colonists wouldn't know good art if it came up to you and said, 'hello, my name is good art', so take some advice from your mental superiors and buy as many of my paintings as will fit on your credit card. Every third painting is autographed by Mr. T or one of your other favorite celebrities, so be sure to get yours while they last. Surround yourself with meaningful art, and one day you might understand what good taste is. Order today, operators are standing by!" Eh? Eh???
• Koko's got it. The whole point in being a "famous artist" is so you can sell out, have your stuff printed on greeting cards and T-shirts, and find some groovy place to kick back. It's the American Way! *pulls out dollar bill to kiss and fondle*
• Second the vote on quid. At the very least, it'll be a test as to whether anybody actually reads those things.
• I'd proofread it though, just to be on the safe side. You don't want the authorities to take an undue interest once it's published, you know.