Recently, I decided to rewrite my artist statement for use in an arts grant proposal. I thought it might be good to share it in this blog.I have always enjoyed drawing and painting people. Whether I am working specifically on a portrait, trying to convey a message or telling a story, people are the main focus of my image making. I also like to look at things in an idealistic way. To celebrate the beauty of creation and the human form. I know we live in an imperfect, fallen world, but I choose to dwell on what is good and right and noble.
Recently, I have varied somewhat from the above statement. As I reflected on my place in our culture, I realized that I often feel caught in the middle of some unpleasant discourse. There are many raising their voices in vitriolic shouting, usually labeling anyone who disagrees with them as a bigot or worse. As Paul Theroux put it, “Americans as a people I believe to be easygoing, compassionate, not looking for a fight. But surely I am not the only one who has noticed that we are ruder, more offhand, readier to take offense, a nation of shouters and blamers.” Yes, Paul, I have noticed. At around the same time as Mr. Theroux was making his statement, I was nearing completion of a painting titled “Hustle and Flow.” It illustrates many people shouting through megaphones, but nobody listening. They are headed down the rapids in boats without paddles. I have included it above. (Click the image to see it larger)
So I may venture more frequently in critical analysis of our culture through art, but I’ll always cling to hope and return to the positive. I believe that we can choose to refrain from communication that denigrates and choose to encourage and uplift our friends and neighbors through our actions and our speech. That doesn’t mean that I will ignore painful truths, but I will seek to find truth in an attitude of humility, not arrogance. I hope to be a positive influence on our community through my art work and any dialog surrounding it.
