Is THAT Art? An Answer

I love this question.  I love it when I hear it.  I love it when I ask it.  Because if something elicits that question, it has intrinsic value.  The work by Argentinian artist Marta Minujin written about in Escape Into Life blog post begged the question.  In my opinion, the answer is a resounding YES.  I hope you'll take a look at this large tower made from books, read about the cultural connections and meanings and finally, the plans for it's deconstruction when the exhibit is over.  


If every piece of art was as deeply thought out as this one, as environmentally conscious in regards to both materials used in the creation as well as spiritually conscious in the universal importance in it being archival, we could all enjoy the question, "Is THAT art?"


Would I feel the same if it had been done in metals or stone, relatively "permanent" for ages to come?  I don't think so.  Its impermanence is part of the spirituality, or universality, of memory, paths of understanding, and need for connection and at the same time asks, by virtue of its temporality, to be remembered, recalled, carried into the future consciousness.


What do you think?

Just the Beginning...

Good Morning Everyone, and a gorgeous morning it is here in Scottsdale, AZ!  The Celebration of Fine Art opened its doors last night for the opening night party and, though all the artists were breathing hard from the four days of fourteen hours constructing their studios and getting their work hung, the guests seemed only to marvel at the result (and enjoy the delectable offerings of Cafe Laredo).  Seeing old friends/clients who are always interested to see each artist's new work is food for the artists, and the appreciation feels like a real pat on the back for the efforts we make.

I hope to do something a bit different this year with my blog, posting each day about what's happening at the show, but particularly to acquaint you with our artists.  This is my fourteenth year at the show and I have seen so much remarkable work that I wish I had told more people about - now I have this great vehicle to do so.

For now, I'm off to our first official day and to shoot some pics for an overview to share with you tonight!

Syed's Casino Installation at last!

It's such a delightful metamorphosis of sorts, to watch delicately cut shards of glass in multiple layered stacks go into the kiln, come out 24 hours later having become a tile of dynamic color.  Then to see the panels grow, adding 4 tiles vertically, seams nearly invisible, into a single panel of glass is watching a veritable garden grow.  It's all beautiful, but when the work is finally installed in the setting of huge marble slabs, for which it was designed, and then finally, finally lit ... well, it's all very satisfying for the artist.

Syed, the most modest person I know, simply nods his head and shoots the photos.  Job well done.

So I will say it for him...REALLY great job, Syed.  REALLY great.

xoxo