Art in Everyday Life

We create art in our lives everyday. I suppose a definition of art would be appropriate at this point. However, I am viewing art as an expression of oneself. I am not narrowing art down into a medium or training, I am simply stating that art flows from us even if we are unaware. For instance we create art through the way we decorate our house. By choosing the beige color in our living room or by picking out the lamp next to our bed, we are aesthetically acting out. Another way in which we promote art on a daily basis is by listening to the type of music we gravitate toward. Music, whatever it may be for each of us, resonates within us and again gives us a vehicle to create art. We also use art when we dress or wear our hair a certain way. Our taste in fashion relays to the world what sort of person we are and what appeals to us visually. One last interesting utilization of art in everyday live can be as simple as our daily routine. We all establish our own personal ambiance in our lives. Whether we brush our teeth in the shower or out, sleep on our side or our stomach, even whether we write with our right hand verses the left; these qualities are unique to us all and are ways to which we represent ourselves artistically.

Voice

I have mentioned in a previous post that artists acquire their own voice and through that voice their artwork becomes recognizable as their own. Many artists are aware of where their particular style comes from, whether it be their home town, or from studying under a particular genre of art or artist. Some artists have no idea where their style derived from, and it can be an interesting inner-journey for them to discover that. I have chosen an artist by the name of Sharon Cummings to use as an example to show how an artist's work becomes like a family. It became apparent to me that somewhere along the way Sharon has gravitated toward a sort of circular design. Even though each piece is unique, most of them share a orbital quality. This element in Sharon's work could resemble a sort of harmony within her, for circles are very powerful in art and design as a symbol of completeness. I think I fancied Sharon's work because I tend to incorporate circular features in my own work. It is important for a working artist to be aware and embrace their voice in order to be successful.

Found Art

I want to share some examples of what I consider "Found Art". In everyday life beautiful art can reveal itself. Some art does not even need to be intentional. Far and few between rocks may be arranged in a certain manner, paint will be peeling in a particular way, even telephone lines will crisscross in a specific fashion. These are just examples of events that can happen in life that give a viewer an opportunity to notice or to overlook. This junction in time is the precise moment a test arises and a conclusion is derived. The result is whether or not one is observant to one's world. These are the little things in life and my hope in sharing them with you is that maybe next time you'll pay attention.

Art Exhibits

I went to a couple of art openings this past Friday. I actually have not been to as many as I would like due to my toddler needing all my extra time. I have a piece in a show at the Ann Arbor Art Center. The show is called "The Annual: All Media Exhibition". A show with such a diverse offering, permitted one to see how wonderful being an artist is. I was standing on the second floor looking at a large photograph that had been extremely saturated and I was thinking about what a clever idea the piece was. I would have never thought to do what that artist did, but the artist found their voice and now whenever I see an image like that I will know it must be them. Artwork is like fingerprints, every one is unique. An artist's work becomes their own personal identity. Some may absorb a style of another artist through inspriation, but it could never possibly be the same. My piece was on the first floor of the gallery. Such a small creation next to larger manifestations. It looked so meek and could perhaps even get glanced over. As I stared at it, I could envision the years ahead of me consisting of progress and work. I have been chipping away at this for as long as I can remember, and I love every minute of it. I once read that "art is a journey, not a destination." This quote may seem cliche, but its sincerely is undeniable. I have no endpoint in mind for my work, I do it for the process and for the revelations that unveil themselves with each piece. Something else that I want to share with anyone who reads this (if anyone even reads this) is the other artist I went to see Friday night at the Washington Street Gallery. I have included an image of one of the pieces that is on display there currently. The artist, Alvey Jones, shares beautiful and laborous pieces. His artwork reminds me of shadow boxes filled with secrets and memories. I especially appreciate the mixing of medium. He reaches out to all the senses with his piece. He paints the water and includes actual sand to bring forth the actual presence and texture of the beach. The colors are careful and specific, creating a sense of reflection and nostalgia. There is something very private, yet public, about this piece. Each little container holds a piece of the puzzle, and together they make a statement about the world and life as a whole. I would love to know what he was thinking, but then again I don't. Constructing one's own personal relationship with a piece of art is the point of the experience. For a second I can feel as if that piece and I found each and something beautiful was shared.
For more information on these two shows please click here.

Structure

I was thinking about what we talked about last week regarding structure. I personally feel as if structure is very important. We discover structure and limits as we grow, which assists in molding us as the individuals we are. It is impossible to succeed at something that does not have structure. Without limits or guidelines, a task seems unnecessary to me. Once a structure has been determined, an amazing array of events reveal themselves. The individual begins to derive a plan to reach the goal set by the structure. Every scheme arranged by each person will be different and vary in such a way that the planner is unique. The plans will either fail or flourish. Even these two consequences allow for such essential effects. When someone fails they get to learn from their mistakes (if they wish). If someone succeeds, they breathe in a air of confidence. When someone bestows structure and guidelines it tells me that they care. A person has given a lot of thought to something that requires guidelines. When this concern is lacking, any secondary effort could possibly be absent as well.