Susan Buret, Into Whose Arms, © 2010, Mixed media on Linen, 150 cm x 200 cm. (Detail)
I am still not progressing much with the new artist statement despite good intentions. Deadlines for other written pieces and the flipping pages on my desk calendar only serve to increase my anxiety. I have always used a quote to introduce my statements but ,after reading Tracey Clement's latest post on The Post Post , I wonder if I am self aggrandizing when I begin a statement this way. After all, as much as I admire Foucault and Pythagorus do I have any right to place my work in their company?
When I woke up this morning I had a brief epiphany. (Why do they always come when I am nowhere near a pen and paper? I'm not good at recording or journaling having always preferred the back of envelopes for important thoughts.) Pined to my studio wall is an old subscription notice for The Economist Magazine which says 'Never lose your place in the world'. It has been on my walls for about 5 years. I put it there because I like the idea but also because I like the white font on red paper! The medium is the message.
Given that I am now using maps in my work it suddenly seems so relevant. I am very aware of my place, having spent the last year recording my observations and reactions either purposely or subconsciously as I enjoy the beauty of my new surroundings. Yet I'm constantly reminded of those who don't have the luxury of safe and pleasant surroundings. Maps tell us where we are, how to get somewhere , who rules or governs us, where we may or may not be welcome and where we might go for refuge.
I cut the maps and place them over patterns used to decorate or to imprison or restrict, comfortable security or the unwanted security associated with punishment or imprisonment, my process based repetitive images result in layered images which come together to my satisfaction to form a work. If only layers of ideas and illogic would do the same I might come up with a reasonable statement.
6 comments:
Hi Susan,
Eeek, after reading Tracey's Post Post I don't think I'd be in any frame of mind to write an artist statement. It makes me wonder if I should stop blogging, or just keep it as a private journal. On the other hand I enjoy, love, to hear artists talk about their work. Perhaps the personal conversation is different to a written statement, you see more of the person? Perhaps there is less 'art speak'. I have enjoyed reading the ideas and thoughts behind your recent works, keep up the great work, I'm sure a conversation/ statement will come to you and I look forward to reading it.
Scary yes, but I think it is the role of the critic to question, to make us think and hopefully we all have a richer experience as either artist or viewer as a result. So I hope you don't go private as I enjoy reading your thoughts too.
It seems like a statement is forming right here in your blog posts. So very interesting to be in on the thought process (making note to self). A statement is a creation, too, and watching you craft this one is fascinating. Thanks for letting us in on the process.
Ok, just read the Post Post you referenced. I found it refreshing, if blunt, perhaps because I mostly share the author's opinions about artist statements! The best I can say about most artist statements I've read (and I usually do not read them) is that it didn't induce a gag reflex. However, I'm with Nicola in enjoying hearing artists talk about their work - when their conversation is authentic, and doesn't sound like a statement! I enjoy talking about my own work, and have seen how it helps people connect with the work, appreciate it more and/or differently. I just wonder if that ever happens with a written statement?
However crabby I may be about artist statements, it won't keep me from enjoying how you craft your thinking and writing about this beautiful body of work.
Yes Cindy, I know how off putting three paragraphs of 'artspeak' can be, but they seem to add a certain gravitas to work! I often wonder if some of my statements are too low brow when I write them and then there are the issues with how long they should be! There's a lot to be said for a recorded artist's talk. I once attended a talk by Nicola and saw clients buy a series of 10 paintings instead of 4 after the talk. I don't imagine this would have happened after reading a statement.
not being an artist, i don't have the problem of having to make artist statements! but i do love your recent work, susan. the combination of the pattern, with the map insets and map-like stain are beautiful and thought provoking. i'd like to see it for real! oh, well...
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