dreaming in colour

It is something I think about quite often but most days I shrug it off to focus on my work. However, recently it came back to the forefront of my thoughts after a visit to the Georgia Museum of Art, at the University of Georgia. They were exhibiting the Master of Fine Arts Degree Candidates Exhibition 2008. While browsing the unique pieces of ‘art’ I had to remind myself that art comes in many forms. There were several paintings that that really touched me with their use of colour and form and I was intrigued by a series of paintings by Judson Duke - you can see a glimpse of one of those paintings on his website.

What I found more difficult to comprehend were the installations. One of which was a bunch of dowels inserted in planks of wood which moved to and frow and made the most annoying sound. You could still hear that one installation on the other end of the museum LOL. There were also some photographs of matchbox cars and some stilletos.

I would love to sit in on a Master’s course seminar to see what they are teaching art students or even in an undergraduate course. My university education in art only lasted a couple of semesters before I was fed up and left to paint what I wanted to paint, and draw the way the I wanted to draw. I could be wrong, but it seems nowadays that Art has to mean something. It must be a reflection of the artist or have some political or social statement.

Can art just be art? Can it just be beautiful?

I’m sure some artsy art people would point out that my paintings of stones reflect a concern for our planet’s environment, in a time of increasing worry over global warming, etc., etc. Maybe they do - subconsciously. I can tell you though that I paint stones because I love rocks!! LOL As a child I collected stones, fallen bird’s eggs, snake skins, feathers and whatever else I could find. I loved just walking through the woods and I still do.

I also dabble with abstract painting from time to time because I love playing with colours and contrast of textures - but I wouldn’t say these have any hidden meaning. If anything they are only there to evoke an emotional response - to tease the senses.

Squeaking, wailing wood moving to and fro irritated my senses more than anything else. Maybe I would have responded differently if I had spoken to the artist about the piece and his/her thoughts in making it.

Another interesting example at the exhibition was a gumball maching filled with quarters that had been pressed or warped. Is it making a statement about money? I’m not sure. . .

What does it mean?

I’m not sure.