I began this piece at the beginning of July, when my heart and emotions were a swirling maelstrom – brought on by the onslaught of damaging, derogatory messages to women that kept coming and coming and coming.
Yesterday, I added a post-script to my original post, answering a question I am often asked "What is 'art' to you?" because I am often blathering in my posts along the lines of "this is art" and "this isn't art, it's just 'pretty'."
In talking with Deidre Adams on Facebook yesterday (one of my very favourite artists, actually, so you really ought to check out her work) I realized that my original definition of "art" as it applies to me, was actually fairly unclear, and also, might have inadvertently been insulting to some of you. And if you found it so, I apologize!
"Walking While Black" (c) 2012 Kit Lang
So, to be perfectly clear, when I am talking about "what art is" - I'm not addressing that in a large-scale, KIT'S DEFINITION OF ART APPLIES TO EVERYONE" way. I'm always, only talking about it in the context of my own work. So:
When I make "art" I am trying to convey something or evoke a response.
"Lake of Dreams - Quartet" (c) 2012 Kit Lang
If I have no intention in the creation of the piece, then I feel emotionally separated from it, and I find no pleasure or "art" in it. I may be making something "pretty", but to me, it is bereft of meaning.
"In Dreams" (c) 2012 Kit Lang
To find happiness in my own work, I need to find meaning, which sometimes is there when I begin the work, sometimes develops in the acts of creation, and sometimes travels with me the whole way through, only to slip away as I near the end.
All I know is, if I can't find the meaning in my work, then it doesn't feel like "art".
When I posted a pic of the wheels on Monday, someone said they were curious about what my inspiration was for this little piece. Well, here 'tis! :)
I have been feeling de-motivated and pressured at the same time – an odd combination I admit; but I have a number of upcoming due dates: pieces promised for a number of shows, pieces needed for my Group of Eight Challenges, as well as pieces for a show and sale I've committed to next summer. I know that Summer 2014 seems a long way away, but I have to fill an entire space with my "real"* work as well as "portable property" as a I call it – small pieces at inclusive price points.
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