Categories and Collections
Why do we feel the need to frame what we do into categories that may have little or nothing to do with our own motives? Particularly for an artist, this pigeonholing of our work can cause real harm. Terms like painting, sculpture or printmaking give only a vague idea of medium and what is meant by abstract or realistic style? How about defining our work more philosophically?
We live our lives in clusters of moments. We are of a certain age, we livesomewhere for a time, we have certain jobs to do, we try things out, our relationships change, we are influenced by people and ideas. This is the reality of our lives. These things have nothing to do with categories. Rather, they are collections, groupings if you like of experiences.
If an artist is worth his salt, he should be looking at the big picture of his life in context, not some small minded assumptions imposed by others. I work in three dimensions because it helps me to free my work from the dictates of a frame. I paint with watercolors because this helps me to loosen up and find fluidity and rhythm. I make prints to experience the thrill of seeing a fresh impression. In all these things there is one mind at work, one person behind the art. If anything, I should be trying my best to be the best. The work will live or die on it’s own merits.
When circumstances change, it is ok to expect that our art will change too. We both create and mirror our worlds. It is our job to find a thread that we can keep picking up to remind us of where we are going. This is what art can do for you. It is not about being a painter or a sculptor but rather about making our way through life with art as a constant companion.
Imbadura
