I have been an artist /potter for over forty years. I have taught art in Public Schools, Museum Schools, Colleges, even a G.E.D. program in the County Jail. I have been associated with galleries, (large and small), Museums, and numerous private studios. My views on making “ART” over the years has slowly evolved into something that is finally becoming clear.
As an emerging “artist”, one is frequently told that fame and fortune is the goal; showing in reputable galleries, shows in big cities, knowing all the right people and dealers. Now, although I hold nothing against successful galleries and dealers, and still use them, I find that the “fame and fortune” part to be the least important factor. Rather, time alone in the studio when ones intuition is in control; THAT is the moment that we live for.
Making things SHOULD be about the energy between the artist and the piece he is working on. Not “why am I making it?” Not “will anyone else like it?” Especially not “will it sell?” If one masters his craft and knows in his heart he has done his best, then something good will happen.
I look at examples of ceramic art venerated in museums today and the vast majority of the work is made by the anonymous potter. These potters were simply doing what they knew and enjoyed; making pieces for others to use and enjoy.
Today, with mass media and the ease of global communication, isolated cultures of the past are becoming homogenized into a global culture, blending everything together. I sometimes feel the need to isolate myself to free me to explore a variety of personal tangents, regardless of medium, with no distractions from outside influences. This, for me, is how “art’ is made.
Our goal should be to surround ourselves with things that are SIGNIFICANT.
Whether it be a house, a piece of furniture, or a simple cup, perhaps I can make it for you.
Guy Adamec 2013