While in Ohio, Molly asked us about philosophy and art and the roll the two played in our time during grad school. I don’t think that I was able to answer her question very well at that time as we traveled towards the Eddie Bower outlet store in search of possible winter attire. I guess this is an attempt at re-examining that question:
Why I make art (the non literate stream of conscious version)
I see things that stand out in my mind that make me think and remark on other ideas and concepts that sometimes seem to be unconnected and seemingly unable to communicate in a normal verbal or written form. These impulses often drive me to seek alternative ways to communicate such ideas, thoughts and musings through other means compatible with the human senses. It is a desire to communicate with others although it may seem awkward or nonsensical at times, to convey an array of possibilities and contingencies within this thing called life. I think that there are never any absolutes and all things can be considered in forming a thought. Creating art seems to be a way of attempting to reach people in a way that both attempts to subvert the spoken word but at the same time attempts to inspire conversation. Sometimes creation is simply self-serving, an impulse to follow a creative whim and see where it goes. Self-gratification at its simplest. To explore, think and to imagine.
My current fascination is with the importance of space and location and therein the way humans interact, construct and define space and location. It seems that the human animal has a combined tendency to be both a nomad and a settler. Out of these two tendencies evolve our way of relating to land, geography and space. As individuals and as people groups mature and progresses the idea of history confers importance of place, location and geography. History often is seen as a top down dissemination of what has happened and how it happened, ergo what is important to a few becomes important to the masses.
Despite this cultural norm, smaller and more personal histories are woven into the fabric of a much larger tapestry. Upon careful examination, other important stories and events become revealed and uncovered exposing the richness of this experience called life.
My interest lies in the celebration and exploration of the possibilities in story telling and art making that helps promotes the inclination to share one’s stories so that everyone can have a value and know their own histories.
