From a life-time presenting live performing arts I have learned not to pidgin-hole one art form or discipline from another. There is value in both the classical and vernacular forms, high vs. low, folk arts passed on from one generation to the next, so called craft v. so called art. When we are drawn into the maker’s choices and into their experience for these decisions…that is where the magic happens
I'm skeptical about "unrestrained expression." Knox is probably more akin to the showy and practiced singer, except he's trying to lead us to think that he's crude. A carefully crafted idea executed with careful craft.
Thank you for your honesty. I am struck by your statement that you have "fallen out of love with wooden objects." I think this is a natural development in creative people upon reaching a certain level of achievement. "If you are always hitting home runs, it is no longer exciting to come to bat." Many artists upon reaching this point experiment with different media, or completely change that with which they become involved, ie a sculptor that leaves the craft to pursue a career in music.
Thanks for your comment , I do have other pursuits that I enjoy, painting, writing, cooking etc…but I’m still committed to making things in wood. I love the process and the challenge of making something relevant in so ubiquitous a material
I think, maybe, Peter was trying to say that he is no longer impressed by technically good woodwork and that has made it easier to recognize great/ more meaningful woodworking.
Thanks for your post. I had a thought on a related idea - in the art world there's a move towards art that is anti-beautiful. Im not a scholar on this subject, but I sense that much of contemporary art seeks to be challenging. Where art in the past was aiming for beauty. I wonder if it is near impossible for an artist to distinguish themselves as unique with beauty, considering all that has been done before. I see this in Bennett's cabinet. Without the nail, it is just a the beautiful piece. But with the nail it becomes more challenging to appreciate...and moves it away from simply beautiful. Credit for this idea should go to Ezra Klein and his conversation with Marilynne Robinson.
Peter, thank you for making me take the time to look at this piece in more detail and think about what's beyond the wood and carcass making up a piece of "furniture." At first glance, I didn't appreciate some of the finer and more unusual points about Bennett's work. Please share your thoughts on other pieces like this again!
From a life-time presenting live performing arts I have learned not to pidgin-hole one art form or discipline from another. There is value in both the classical and vernacular forms, high vs. low, folk arts passed on from one generation to the next, so called craft v. so called art. When we are drawn into the maker’s choices and into their experience for these decisions…that is where the magic happens
Couldn’t agree
Very interesting and very good article in FWW this month Peter.
I'm skeptical about "unrestrained expression." Knox is probably more akin to the showy and practiced singer, except he's trying to lead us to think that he's crude. A carefully crafted idea executed with careful craft.
Interesting point, I’d be curious if he thought of the nail ahead of time
Through these wonderful pieces about chairs, wood an‘ sich’ the reader catches a glimpse of the writer.
I just finished this chapter. I always struggle with how things should look. This is actually quite exciting.
Look forward to your posts
Fred
Thank you for your honesty. I am struck by your statement that you have "fallen out of love with wooden objects." I think this is a natural development in creative people upon reaching a certain level of achievement. "If you are always hitting home runs, it is no longer exciting to come to bat." Many artists upon reaching this point experiment with different media, or completely change that with which they become involved, ie a sculptor that leaves the craft to pursue a career in music.
Thanks for your comment , I do have other pursuits that I enjoy, painting, writing, cooking etc…but I’m still committed to making things in wood. I love the process and the challenge of making something relevant in so ubiquitous a material
I think, maybe, Peter was trying to say that he is no longer impressed by technically good woodwork and that has made it easier to recognize great/ more meaningful woodworking.
Thanks for your post. I had a thought on a related idea - in the art world there's a move towards art that is anti-beautiful. Im not a scholar on this subject, but I sense that much of contemporary art seeks to be challenging. Where art in the past was aiming for beauty. I wonder if it is near impossible for an artist to distinguish themselves as unique with beauty, considering all that has been done before. I see this in Bennett's cabinet. Without the nail, it is just a the beautiful piece. But with the nail it becomes more challenging to appreciate...and moves it away from simply beautiful. Credit for this idea should go to Ezra Klein and his conversation with Marilynne Robinson.
I’ll check out the conversation, thanks for your thoughtful comment
Peter, thank you for making me take the time to look at this piece in more detail and think about what's beyond the wood and carcass making up a piece of "furniture." At first glance, I didn't appreciate some of the finer and more unusual points about Bennett's work. Please share your thoughts on other pieces like this again!