RESPONSES TO CHAPTERS 4-7:Katy COWLEY - 2.24.09
CHAPTER 4 - I was surprised to hear aout Wolff's experience with a reader angry that Wolff would claim (in the Christian Science Monitor even) that morality had no place in art. Such an idea never occurred to me. I see morality in almost everything I do. Even the blooming of the crocusses seem to sing atonement and resurrection.
So how should I apply this to my art? I think that the reader's criticism on page 10 provides the lesson: "The problem with Rouault is that he demands passionate participation. We can't just sit back and enjoy his work for its color or deisign, or even for its subject matter, for all these qualities are so irrevocably meshed with his profoundly moral vision of reality that to study them for only a moment is to be drawn totally into his way of seeing things."
What level of participation do I involve my viewer? Right now I am doubtful in the engagement I have with an audience. This is an area that I should consider more.
CHAPTER 5 -
"This is something too little understood by the general public. To a profound extent, an artist is his art, his craft, his medium. Art is not merely something he uses to clarify his position or to give point to his vision of life, but is, rather, the very substance of who he is and what he wants to say." Wolff, p. 15
I have been a closeted artist. That is what I was told in an Art class for Art History majors taught by Peter Myers at BYU. He had noted that many Art History majors were closeted artists - artists who lacked the courage to say out loud that they were indeed artists. So, I had a wonderful semester of playing with printmaking, metal pouring, painting, and pottery -- all the time remaining in the closet -- artistically speaking that is.
I think the reason it has been difficult to come out and say I am an artist, is because my artwork is very personal to me. When my art is on display it is as if I am in some sort of childhood nightmare of finding myself in a classroom of peers where I suddenly realize that I forgot to get dressed. I become vulnerable and open to criticism. With my art being so entertwined with my personal identity, I suspect that the criticism of my work may feel the exposure of a character flaw.
No. My art is not the substance of who I am - but it is the outward expression of what is in my mind and heart. As I am older and have accepted myself more - I hope I can be more willing to put my art in the public view. Imperfections and all, I hope to be improving in myself personally and artistically. And yes, Peter - I am an artist.
