I would have to write one of these eventually, so here it goes:
It is assumed that all artists should have a reason for what they do. This is what their statement is in essence. Its like an outline of an artists thought process. Why artists do the kooky and crazy things that they do. I, for one, am not a fan of the artists statement. However, as it stands I am an art student at George Mason Uni. and therefore I must have a statement in order to graduate.
One of the biggest misconceptions I have come to learn about art is that most artists believe art is a way to better understand themselves. Through their artistic endeavors they, somehow, manage to answer many daunting questions. Like: Why am I here? Why am I so scared of death? What is war? What is poverty? How come humans have to kill each other? Who am I?!?!? But, are they really answering these questions? I've been making art since I was pretty young and never once have I come close to answering any of those through my art. If anything, its through just being alive that I am starting to formulate some theories that will hopefully lead me in the right direction.
I think the average artist forgets an important element of art. It doesn't matter what you intend your art to mean. When its hanging up on a wall, standing tall in a garden, or taking up space on the internet, the viewer doesn't see what you see. They don't see what you were trying so hard to show them. They see what they see. No matter what you do and no matter how deep and meaningful your piece of art is, the only thing the viewer absorbs from your work is whatever it is they need to absorb.
I guess that is my statement. I guess, that is my goal in art. I don't want to be one of the artists who forgets. I want to remember that it's not about me. It's not what I think or feel. My art is just different objects. That's all. Objects that for whatever reason, i created. I'm not going to let peoples opinions affect what I do. I am going to continue making art with the understanding that everyone is going to have a different reaction. Deep down I know what it meant to make a certain piece. I know what it meant to me anyways. The best part of being an artist is finding out what it meant to everyone else. Just knowing that I am stirring some kind of emotion in people. As long as I keep doing that. I think I am doing my job.
