There’s been a good deal of discussion about funding cuts for the arts, both at the national and state (at least Michigan) levels. I’m all for funding the arts, especially when it comes to supporting K-12 programs. History shows that strong, robust civilizations have strong, robust art programs. I wonder, however, what is the balance? In a (post?) capitalist society, art needs to prove itself beyond promoting civility and excitement, though these seem to be lacking throughout society today. The art community needs to be able to say that it could support itself if necessary. I’ve seen the statistics that say for every dollar put into the arts the economy gains fifteen. I believe this…but we need to continue pushing the envelope…tell our government in as many ways as possible that while funding cuts will hurt, it is the citizenry and officials that will suffer the most — not artists. We will continue to be creative and to create!

OK, I think it is unfortunate that people put graffiti on public buildings — defacing public space. What I’m curious about is how should this kind of crime be punished? In a number of states, there’s a fine of around $250 for first time offenders, which increases to actual jail time for repeat offenders or those found to have a history of criminal activity. I’ve been in some cities — Montreal, San Francisco, etc. — where there are places that are full of graffiti, and some of it is very, very artistic and takes on pertinent social issues.

Thoughts?

I’ve just realized that it has been nearly a year since I posted anything on this site. In the meantime, I continue to work on my art, and have helped put together a show on social discourse that is taking place at two galleries (none of my own art, as this was not about self-promotion). I still feel strongly that art can continue to have a strong impact on how we think about social issues. Keep asking questions, and look for the answers in your art!

Currently doing some work on the ways in which both artists and non-artists justify critiques of art in public spaces (mainly newspapers). It is interesting to see how many people justify a disliking for a piece or an artist by calling on moral issues. These are many of the same people who seem to have little problem with using violence to challenge any threats (mainly government officials)…maybe the Dadaists had the right idea…

Toby

At our last show, we were next to a booth where some beautiful photos were being displayed. Many people walked back and forth between our booths, and you could tell very quickly who was interested in what kind of art (always fun to see a couple where one person likes the paintings and the other likes the photographs). I began to think about conversations around such pieces. When one sees a photograph of a sunset for the umpteenth time, do you still think about it being something other than a sunset? Can you have new conversations about abstract art when seeing it for the umpteenth time? Every time I look at Kandinsky’s Compositions V, VI, and VII, I have new feelings and thoughts. When I see one of my wife’s photographs of a frog, I keep thinking, “that’s a nice picture of a frog,” but that’s about it. This is not to take away from her work or other pieces of “realism,” but to ask if you have interesting conversations about that kind of art compared to the abstract stuff…of course, this is assuming you enjoy both kinds of art!

Well, I just finished my first gallery show…a few bites but no landings. Listening to people talk about the art (my work was being shown at the same time as some Master of Fine Arts students, so lots of different perspectives on display) made me wonder how do we get people to start seeing art as a potential tool to help the economy and deal with many of the social ills we face? The politics of aesthetics and systems of rationalization are interesting…I do think there is potential (the glass is always have full!), but we need to be talking to those who are enjoying the art!

Keep smiling!

Toby

We just finished with one of the first outdoor art shows of the year, which was disappointing but enlightening. Our booth was next to a very nice person who was practically giving away her art — pieces that were both large and very nicely done. It is also nice to see people walking away from a show with a piece of art, but it does make it difficult to “make a living,” as one gallery owner told me, when people are selling at very low prices. Does it matter if the art is given away? If we want more art in the world, do we do whatever it takes to get it out there?

Keep smiling and say hello to someone today…

Toby

I am currently reading a wonderful book titled The Twilight of American Culture by Morris Berman. The premise is that America is in decline and currently looks a lot like the Roman Empire during its decay. This is not a new or unique take on postmodern (or late modern) US, but it does bring up the issue of civility. I am curious to hear from you about the difference between free speech and disobedience to the point of rupturing the social fabric of society without having any new answers.

As always, enjoy the world around you!

Toby

Throughout the ages, the fine arts were controlled by the elite. While some artists tried to make political statements with their art, this was very much the exception to the rule. Then came the Impressionists, Expressionists, and the Dadaists. Well, can art make a difference? I am still trying to find my place in political art, and have done a few things in that area. Here is one piece titled “Shared Responsibility” in which Adam is holding an apple with TWO bites taken out of it. No mention is made of who took the first bite, and while Eve is sticking her fingers through Adam’s arm, this is more a surrealist moment than anything gender specific. Interested to hear about other pieces that have made you think about political and social issues.

It is always interesting to hear people look at abstract art and say, “I don’t get it.” Picasso once asked why people spend so much time trying to “figure out art,” but don’t think twice about enjoying the song of a bird without trying to understand what is being communicated. Why are so many people so worried about “getting” art? Why is it not enough to know that someone enjoyed making it…