The Clyde Fitch Report: Over a 20-year period I’ve gone from doing a sculpture titled The Egg Came First, to writing a book titled The Chicken Came First.
After my book was published, one of my friends said to me in the most definitive way, and with a smile on his face: “Make up your mind.”
4 comments:
While the point of the article was a little unclear, I agree with the sentiments. Early art existed in a photorealistic style simply because photography DIDN'T EXIST. Art needed to exist because it was the only way of capturing a thing's likeness. Now that we have photography that can capture something exactly the way it is, and photoshop that can even alter these images, art no longer needs that job. Now, I believe art needs to do something that a photograph cannot. Capturing things exactly as they are is impressive, and takes a lot of skill, but it doesn't have nearly the wonderful emotional expression. I like painting that look like they were painted, and drawings that look like they were drawn. The gesture and the non-realism is almost more impactful than a mere representation. Art is what it is because it is made by humans. You can see a stark difference between human and computer generated art, for instance. We should celebrate the organic nature, and make things look like how they feel rather than how they appear.
This article took me by surprise, the title revealing little about the article's content itself. Though rather "chunky" and disconnected, Asti's piece is thought provoking. I remember in Beth's drawing class being reminded that drawing from a picture was not the same as drawing from life. Though photographs may be more able to capture more detail and objective truth, paintings and alternate renderings of an image allow for the restoration of that dimension that is lost in a photograph. Instead of being a visual facsimile of a subject, paintings create a scene, representing other elements like feelings and thoughts. Many people today are bothered by paintings that appear to be closely imitating life, but are actually distorted somewhat (i.e. the red squiggle). I think this is a product of art no longer demanding comprehension and concentrated attention from its viewers. People expect a passive experience when viewing a piece, and are upset (as the author was) when something does not "fit" their expectation. This article subtly raises the cry for the return of pieces that challenge us.
I think the author makes a very simple point. Art is created out of our ever changing human experiences. As we grow and change perspective, or expression through art will morph along with that. I think his most important lessons on art were examples through each of his influences. Kroger taught him that ones struggles don't limit his or her art to expressing pain and anguish: art is limitless in subject. His mother taught him that art is not limited to sight: imagination can overtake reality. His family friend taught him that art helps develop a unique voice: how you express yourself is personal and need not be dictated by anyone, whether influenced negatively or positively. These lessons I find very applicable to my work as lots of stress and anxiety can arise from worrying about these things too often. 54-102 ::A
As soon as the author made mention of his friend telling him to "choose one" art form, I immediately identified with the author and his situation. Whenever I tell people that I am at school for acting, and that I also want to make music and be able to express myself in that art form as well, without fail, they ask me which one I like more. When I say that I cannot choose, they ask again. It's frustrating and discouraging for me to always receive this type of response. Very much like the author who does not want to be placed into any sort of confinement when it comes to artistic expression, I feel that people instinctually put their peers into boxes, but this is rather limiting and close minded. I applaud this man for acknowledging the fact that he is not fulfilled by expressing himself via one art form, and that he is able to pursue happiness in life without being weighed down by the confinements proposed by societal standards.
Abby Jackman 54-102:A
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