[Clayart] art and fear

[mel jacobson]

it is a good day to introduce many of our new
clayarters to a great book. Amazon, kindle $6.50
ART AND FEAR

When I first read it a few years back, I thought
THEY wrote it with me in mind. "How did they know?"

The central theme is about making art and craft.
Art with big ideas seems to ruin artists.
Craft done with skill and knowledge will last
the potter their entire life.

The authors have documented many modern day artists
that receive an MFA and use the "big idea" metaphor
for their project. When done, they never do art again.
the big idea is over. How do you come up with another "big idea?"

The same seems to be true of big solo exhibits in New York. the
big idea, new and metaphor..24 garbage cans spaced perfectly in
the gallery. One and done. How do you top the garbage cans????
Or, you could paint them pink and do just 18 cans.

So many young artists start with the "bang"...and then the noise
dies and so does their career.

The illustrator will do art for their entire life. Skill and
refinement. The potter builds a life on clay, earth, fire, and water.
it never ends, a new adventure every month. A problem to solve.
It is as I love to say..."Reality, what a concept."

And, as many of you are watching happen..."Big A art is going down
the tubes."

You are in charge of what you make, and how you make it. We mostly work
to make us happy and content. I love to paint, I love to make pots and
I tell the experts to shove it. I am the expert of my own life. I love
the "wow" factor in my life...open the kiln and "Wow, I made those pots."
The wheel starts up the next day, gotta do more.
mel

website: www.melpots.com
www.melpots.com/CLAYART.HTML