Artist's Statement
Physical scientists inform us that we can see only a small part of the reality of space and time; so I believe art is a part of the greater reality. And I hope to show aspects of reality that we often choose not to see. For example, I like landscapes whose details emerge after repeated viewings and I like portraits that reveal something about the moods and circumstances of the person depicted – slowly.
Perhaps art involves the dimension of time, because while some pieces are as comfortable as lifelong friends, other pieces are difficult to endure even for a few seconds.
But although the test-of-time might seem to be the measure of creative work, it can be taken too far because the test-of-time evades insight into the artistic conundrum.
And the conundrum is : artists are paired with ‘something’ that arrives from seeming nothingness. And when ‘something’ is invoked it might engender answers – despite using no words and having no substance. I know it helps me draw and paint, and I believe it helps others to dance, to compose music, write plays, poetry, prose and, as well, create paintings and drawings.
I seem to be a necessary-but-not-sufficient part of it. Throughout the materialization I seem to be in partnership with something outside myself. Things bestir themselves and buzz around my ears. Intuitions and emotions arrive from elsewhere. I don’t know how things will develop as I work.
And afterward I puzzle over why some of my efforts seem good while some seem not-so-good
and later why ‘good’ sometimes swaps places with ‘not-so-good’.
Copyright © 2018, Donald R. MacCrimmon, Madison, All Rights Reserved
Perhaps art involves the dimension of time, because while some pieces are as comfortable as lifelong friends, other pieces are difficult to endure even for a few seconds.
But although the test-of-time might seem to be the measure of creative work, it can be taken too far because the test-of-time evades insight into the artistic conundrum.
And the conundrum is : artists are paired with ‘something’ that arrives from seeming nothingness. And when ‘something’ is invoked it might engender answers – despite using no words and having no substance. I know it helps me draw and paint, and I believe it helps others to dance, to compose music, write plays, poetry, prose and, as well, create paintings and drawings.
I seem to be a necessary-but-not-sufficient part of it. Throughout the materialization I seem to be in partnership with something outside myself. Things bestir themselves and buzz around my ears. Intuitions and emotions arrive from elsewhere. I don’t know how things will develop as I work.
And afterward I puzzle over why some of my efforts seem good while some seem not-so-good
and later why ‘good’ sometimes swaps places with ‘not-so-good’.
Copyright © 2018, Donald R. MacCrimmon, Madison, All Rights Reserved
