James Lord sat for Alberto Giacometti and recorded their conversations and the progress of the portrait, giving an inside view of the artist. I was given this book years ago by a good friend in college who knew my frustration. I suppose he thought it would inspire me. I never read it... I used to be afraid to read what other artists thought because I didn't want it to change my own perception of making art. That sounds pretty absurd now. Maybe because I'm older and have realized how much of your own self that you put into a painting-- that it's not about creating the photographic reality before you but your own perception of what that reality is, that I can understand the struggle of creation by other artists now. I'm not afraid of comparing myself and my viewpoints to them. I am only on the fifth chapter of this book and I have strong similiarities to Giacometti's feelings about his own work. Yet he continues to work through the piece, even though he rejects it as a failure or impossibility... and obviously comes out the other end with masterpieces. I also watched my DVD of "Craft in America" that was on PBS last year. I wanted to cry throughout it. Why? Because these artists devoted their lives to pursuing the making of their art, even when factories were turning out things faster and for more profit. They understand that their own hands make something more special with each unique chair or basket or piece of jewelry, ceramic pot or glass sculpture... that could never be replicated. And just as important as the finished product, is the process of creating it. Their own history became part of each piece of art that they made. Giacometti was completely frustrated during the process, but maybe that was the only way he felt he could create the art that was truest to what he wanted. To be satisfied and content doesn't push you to go deeper or farther or better. Being an artist is a hard path to take but it is definately an exciting, mysterious path and I wish I wouldn't have stopped for the years that I decided to give in to my frustration. It is easy to misunderstand yourself. Maybe an acceptance of frustration is necessary to continue to grow.
Monday, March 24, 2008
What I'm reading now...
James Lord sat for Alberto Giacometti and recorded their conversations and the progress of the portrait, giving an inside view of the artist. I was given this book years ago by a good friend in college who knew my frustration. I suppose he thought it would inspire me. I never read it... I used to be afraid to read what other artists thought because I didn't want it to change my own perception of making art. That sounds pretty absurd now. Maybe because I'm older and have realized how much of your own self that you put into a painting-- that it's not about creating the photographic reality before you but your own perception of what that reality is, that I can understand the struggle of creation by other artists now. I'm not afraid of comparing myself and my viewpoints to them. I am only on the fifth chapter of this book and I have strong similiarities to Giacometti's feelings about his own work. Yet he continues to work through the piece, even though he rejects it as a failure or impossibility... and obviously comes out the other end with masterpieces. I also watched my DVD of "Craft in America" that was on PBS last year. I wanted to cry throughout it. Why? Because these artists devoted their lives to pursuing the making of their art, even when factories were turning out things faster and for more profit. They understand that their own hands make something more special with each unique chair or basket or piece of jewelry, ceramic pot or glass sculpture... that could never be replicated. And just as important as the finished product, is the process of creating it. Their own history became part of each piece of art that they made. Giacometti was completely frustrated during the process, but maybe that was the only way he felt he could create the art that was truest to what he wanted. To be satisfied and content doesn't push you to go deeper or farther or better. Being an artist is a hard path to take but it is definately an exciting, mysterious path and I wish I wouldn't have stopped for the years that I decided to give in to my frustration. It is easy to misunderstand yourself. Maybe an acceptance of frustration is necessary to continue to grow.
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3 comments:
Yes! You can't grow as an artist when you are 100% content (if there truly is such a thing). And you can't keep up with the competition as an artist trying to sell your work, either. Discontent does wonders for creative growth.
I've always believed that to be true about musicians, as well. I've noticed that my favorite bands are best when they're either struggling or depressed about something. LOL
This book looks very interesting - especially for the artist. I find it rewarding to read about what others think. It helps refine your opinions. It sounds like this is reinforcing for you.
I am also impressed you are finding time to read. I have a stack of books, but haven't made too much progress:(
It is a challenge that keeps us going forward, even if we are frustrated. We have experienced success and we know how that feels. It gets us past the frustration. To accept a challenge takes a strong will and intelligence. You have possessed both from the time you were a child. Pick up the challenge and go forward!
YOur mother
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