[TheForge] new anvils ring

Fri Aug 30 14:28:02 2002

Very well put George ,
I have to say I really enjoy your comments I deal with this topic all of the
time and find myself very frustrated very often. I have been an artist for a
long time I've only been working with iron for a short time
I have only recently developed the skills needed to feel comfortable trying
to do expressive ironwork.
 I believe that when you look at masterfully done work you feel the energy
that is in it.You know of the time it has taken to achieve such
refinement.When I say "you" I obviously mean those of us who know the
processes involved in forging. I also think that a person who does not know
the processes or anything at all about forging can feel this energy if it is
in the work .They dont know why they like it they just do .
 Art where I am (Charlotte NC) from the point of view of the" Art People"
has to have a message or some shock value .Not allot of attention is given
to finely crafted art pieces.
I
----- Original Message -----
From: George Dixon <[email protected]>
To: <[email protected]>
Sent: Friday, August 30, 2002 6:27 AM
Subject: Re: [TheForge] new anvils ring


> T'was said......
>
> "To me it means that its "art" because it is stimulating people to talk
about
> it."
>
> Ah, the political definition of "art".
>
>
>
> If it has an explanation with it then it did not work, so it must be
art......
> It has been interesting to watch how art has devolved from the capable
creation of an idea, to the current art de jour in which the 'idea' matters
more than the execution.  Too bad that mastering a discipline or a medium
matters less than what the work "says" or is said about it.
> If the only eye reacted to poorly done art the way the ear reacted to
poorly played music......there would be far less of the former.
>
> The analogy between the two, art and music, indicates that mastering the
medium before trying improvisational work  is a more solid approach than the
current self-esteem movement in art.  The terms 'art' and 'artist' have such
profound appeal to so many, but actually walking the walk requires more
effort and focus than most will exert.  The contemporary solution has been
to define art down in terms of mastery of a medium, while removing any
semblance of
> objective criticism from it.  'Competency' has been supplanted by 'message
and meaning'.
>
> Having never played a trumpet, by today's 'art' standards, I will be a
improvisational jazz artist as soon as I pick one up and start tooting away.
>
> George Dixon
> "is it art yet?"
>
>
> _______________________________________________
> http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/theforge
> theforge mail list group photo site is
> http://www.photoaccess.com
> Login:  [email protected]
> password:  anvil
> ___________
>
>