Thursday, May 29, 2008

Social Sculpture

“Only on condition of a radical widening of definitions will it be possible for art and activities related to art [to] provide evidence that art is now the only evolutionary-revolutionary power. Only art is capable of dismantling the repressive effects of a senile social system that continues to totter along the deathline: to dismantle in order to build ‘A SOCIAL ORGANISM AS A WORK OF ART’… EVERY HUMAN BEING IS AN ARTIST who – from his state of freedom – the position of freedom that he experiences at first-hand – learns to determine the other positions of the TOTAL ART WORK OF THE FUTURE SOCIAL ORDER.”

Beuys statement dated 1973, first published in English in Caroline Tisdall: Art into Society, Society into Art (ICA, London, 1974), p.48. Capitals in original.

Joseph Beuys
made famous this notion of social sculpture. I have been interested in this line of thinking for many years, hence my focus on the table and dinnerware and accoutrement's for sharing meals. I am introducing this concept here now because I hope to engage a conversation about art as a social intervention and the future of communication, particularly as the Internet is developing, as a means to produce a less aggressive means of being on the planet together.

Friday, May 23, 2008

The New Web

"Something's happening here....What it is ain't exactly clear..."

I started tuning into FriendFeed a few weeks ago, and I feel like I am being whipped into a whole new world. This blog is 2 1/2 years old, my Facebook account is 1 year old, maybe? Twitter got added to my party, oh late last year. All of these services I have approached from a hmmm, cool but not quite sure how to use them, what is it, what do really want to share with all these people, most of whom I don't even know. Then, here comes FriendFeed and whoosh! I am off and running. Suddenly, I am checking out posts about social networking, conversations I actually feel I understand and can connect too.
This particular post is a response to Colin Walker's recent post which led me to Alexander van Elsas. I suggested my blogging about this is a bad idea and he says, "why?"

OK, for anybody who has been reading this news outlet for my studio knows it is mostly pictures of my work, occasional sharing of what I deem interesting news on politics and economics. I struggle to stay focused on my work, an old idea. Focus. Getting things done... Creating goals, seeing through an idea, a thesis, developing my skill as a craftswoman, etc. etc. The Internet is inherently disruptive. It interrupts the flow of work in numerous ways. Today I read email is the new snail mail. (can't remember where or I would post a link). Access to this conversation is limited to; 1) one's ability to own or access a computer and an online service, 2) one's facility in learning how to use the tools currently available- Adaptivity. When Gutenberg invented the printing press, the first book published was a 1000 year old tome, the Bible. Most agree a seminal work. I argue the current communication revolution is still in its very formative period, but moving along very quickly. As such, it is almost impossible for non-professionals to stay abreast and current - a multiple problem.

I am interested in the conversation and even more interested in where this is all going. I look forward to expanding how I communicate, how I engage and if Doug Englebart is correct, in the evolution of my own intelligence and consciousness. The games, they have begun...

Wednesday, May 14, 2008

Madras




pink plaid

I am exploring madras, in my plates, layering glazes, crossing stripes, like that. In the process, I am finding out more about Madras, India and the textile itself. I have just started the anthropological exploration but my aesthetic journey is well under way.

Friday, May 09, 2008

MAD in Manhattan





My work is being featured in the window of Avventura, a fabulous glass and ceramic store on New York City's upper west side, 81st and Amsterdam. Thank you Scott for a beautiful display and thanks, George, for the wonderful photos!

Tuesday, May 06, 2008