civilized ku # 47 ~ the $64,000 question, or, would I give myself a 1-man show at MoMA?
Friday, July 27, 2007 at 09:54PM 
Everything every which way • clck to embiggenRobert asks; "So your own work, this photo in particular, where do you think it stands? Decorative or more than that?"
Robert was not actually referring to this picture - everything every which way - he posed the question on the green chair and towel entry of earlier today. But, here I sit on Friday night in an empty house - the wife and step-princess are off to the Jersey shore for a week of sweltering beach fun - so, with plenty of time on my hands, I thought the question important enough to warrant a journal entry reply.
Let me state right from the get-go that this is not an easy question for me to answer but I'll give it an honest effort. It's not easy for me to answer because, ultimately, I don't think it's for me to decide whether my picture(s) are 'Decorative or more than that' - that judgement is really for viewers of my picture(s) (not to mention the test of time) to decide.
That said, let me offer the following personal opinions about my picture(s).
First and foremost, my intention with my picture(s) is to illustrate and illuminate. To picture the object of my gaze (referent/subject) in a visually interesting/intriquing way, which serves as a 'prick' (the punctum) to engage the intellect and emotions of the viewer. To engage in a manner that is quiet and contemplative, not screaming with shock-and-awe phototechnics. To engage the intellect and emotions in a manner that attempts to reconcile Art with Life.
At the risk of sounding immodest (why not, I've rarely be accused of being a shrinking violet), I know from feedback and comments (online, gallery goers, portfolio presentations, etc.) that my picture(s) 'connects' beyond the obvious to many viewers. I also know from feedback and comments that my picture(s) make pleasing visual use of the 2 dimensional surface of a paper print. 'Unconventional' use, perhaps, but whatever else they might be, they just look good hanging on a wall.
So, I believe that my picture(s) serve both a decorative (illustrate) and a fine Art (illuminate) goal.
At least that's how I see it.
gravitas et nugalis
Featured Comment: Jame Robinson wrote; "I am glad Robert asked the question, becuase I was curious about this myself. Because I have a past that can relate to such a scene...thoughts and emotions that are capable of resurfacing because of a personal history in the Adirondacks...this was a way of looking at and being drawn to the familiar, some might say mundane. Not that I have never seen, necessarily, a green chair and towel, but the fact that something otherwise mundane just became attractive, emotional, and possibly even narrative based on my own Adirondack experiences makes it work for me.
I know "that light" and "that forest" and the beauty of stepping out of an island forest onto the smallest of beaches for a swim at dusk or at dawn. I have reflected on "that beach" endlessly...I never saw it through a photograph of a green chair and a towel hung up to dry. Based on what I bring, this one is Art for me."
my response: Jame, thanks very much for the response. FYI, all - opposing/other points of view are also welcome.
Reader Comments (3)
I am glad Robert asked the question, becuase I was curious about this myself. Because I have a past that can relate to such a scene...thoughts and emotions that are capable of resurfacing because of a personal history in the Adirondacks...this was a way of looking at and being drawn to the familiar, some might say mundane. Not that I have never seen, necessarily, a green chair and towel, but the fact that something otherwise mundane just became attractive, emotional, and possibly even narrative based on my own Adirondack experiences makes it work for me.
I know "that light" and "that forest" and the beauty of stepping out of an island forest onto the smallest of beaches for a swim at dusk or at dawn. I have reflected on "that beach" endlessly...I never saw it through a photograph of a green chair and a towel hung up to dry. Based on what I bring, this one is Art for me.
Still considering "everything every which way"...
If you allow me to express the opinion of a viewer of Mark's work and of this discussion forum, I must say that Mark taught me that we can see beauty in scenes of everyday life.
His images are not, though, aligned with those that seem to obey the rule "the uglier the better, the more weird the better", pictures that I would never hang on the walls of my home. The aesthetic of his images pleases the viewer's sense of beauty (whatever it is), but they have more than that, they try to be the source of thoughts and emotions in the viewer.
We can develop our capacity "to see", looking at the images of Mark, and we can transfer that increased capacity "to see" in the environment. Indeed, and this may contradict some thoughts of last week, learning through the contemplation of images will help us "to see" when we look at outer world. If we train hard, we will run faster than if we don't train at all, but it doesn't make us olympic champions. For that, talent is also needed.
So many other artists evasive with their answer to the same question (perhaps not wanting to come off as conceited or pompous?); thanks for giving a straight answer that will probably resonate with a lot of readers on how they see their own work.