Self-promotion has never been one of my skills, and I’m a little envious of artists to whom it comes more naturally. I find it difficult to write an artist’s statement, because my paintings ARE my statement as far as I’m concerned. In a time when lengthy and convoluted verbiage seems to have become almost a requirement for making art as well as writing about it, I fall into the dinosaur category. When I read a hefty socio-political statement of intention that suggests that the artist must be carrying the weight of the world on his/her shoulders upon entering the studio, I’m reminded of Robert DeNiro lugging that heavy sack full of armor uphill into the rain forest in “The Mission”. Drop it, Bob!
I think visual art (for the most part) is not a particularly effective route to motivating people towards social change. What is it good for? Another post, perhaps.
