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It's clever but is it art?

3K views 29 replies 29 participants last post by  quicksilver 
#1 ·
It's clever but is it art?

The time will come when the tail wags the dog
And the horse will be drawn by the cart
But the devil whoops, as he whooped of old
'It's clever but is it art?'

-Rudyard Kipling

Some call me an artist. I call myself a box maker. I've made some clever boxes. I've made some crap ones. I may associate feelings, images and experiences with my work and sometimes these things inspire it but I still don't consider what I do to be art.

I feel I've progressed. I look at some of the early things I made with the same kind of regard I would think a parent shows to their children's work. We all start somewhere. In letting emotion into what I do it has grown in some way. Sometimes though it has been overly self-indulgent, this (anag.) happens. I think exploring what you see and think about and letting these inform your work is mostly a positive thing though. This still doesn't make me an artist in my own eyes.

Whatever happens though you have to enjoy making what you make or what's the point. I enjoy making boxes. I hope (though it is by no means essential or even necessary) that others enjoy seeing them too. People and ideas I've seen here have also contributed to my growth in box making. What goes around comes around and I hope others might be inspired by my efforts.

Be seeing you
 
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#2 ·
Art? Who is defining art? who cares if it is art? Does it delight the viewer? Do you delight in making it and sharing it? In my definition it is art. But what is so wonderful about your & your boxes, is you have the ART of sharing. the art of explanation. the art of giving. So for me, Martyn, you are an artist.
 
#3 ·
Sounds like you're feeling rather thoughtful and introspective today my Friend!
Is it Art?
Happily, that is not a distinction required from me…
But when the builder adds a measure of his (or her) heart and emotion to their work,
it most certainly rises above "Ordinary" and becomes… Extra-ordinary…
 
#5 ·
One thing I've learned in this life is that we never (or seldom) see our selves as others see us. Also, I'm not sure an individual has the luxury of defining himself, especially in the way society does. Remember also there is a difference between prestige and esteem, with my point being you enjoy both the prestige of all who are privileged to view your work as well as the esteem of your fellow woodworkers who can see and truly appreciate your creations. IMHO you are an artist, and I'd be surprised to find many if any LJs who disagree.
 
#6 ·
Martyn, over the years I've been involved in many events with people who consider themselves to be "artist". It has often been difficult for me to tolerate their self-important attitudes and inflated sense of self-worth. To me they were frauds who had little talent, little vision and created work that my son would have topped as a preschooler. I felt that disgust because in my heart I know that an artist is born an artist. Although some might disagree there is a distinct difference between a craftsperson and an artist. Without expanding on that premise, I will cut to the chase and say that your peers look at your pieces with awe. That is the case because Martyn you are an artist. You could take the easy road and crank out functional boxes that are attractive, but you can't because you are not wired that way.
We are lucky to see your work and thoroughly enjoy your creative efforts. Thanks for making us part of the journey
Cheers!
 
#7 ·
What is Art?

Is a self expression or application of someones creative skills or imagination by any means in any way, basically in a visual form.

That's all !!!

So, either you consider yourself an artist or not, the art is still there.

Stelios
 
#8 ·
There is an artist in all of us, for it comes from the heart, and you share your designs with your fellow woodworkers and we enjoy your boxes, because they come from your heart. To us, your are a very talented artist.
-don
 
#9 ·
Who cares? You are absolutely talented. I will tell you what is art, it is a piece that stops people on their tracks and makes them say "WOW"....your boxes do that.

Don't second guess yourself and specially do not fall into the "artist" trap, you are doing what you love and are obviously successful at it. If people think you are an artist, that is icing on the cake, if not, who cares? You still are doing what you like… :)
 
#12 ·
"...Whose echoes live in memory yet, Though envious years would say "forget"…" - Lewis Carroll

(avoiding the obvious quote from Shakespeare)

The only test is time. if it lasts its art, even if its a utilitarian book or Ikea design, IMHO.
You are already in a Magazine, which means you are half immortal, so I guess you are on the right path….
 
#15 ·
Looks like a lot of people who know what they are doing and make beautiful items regard your boxes as art,
I agree with them, and if you are happy making these boxes, then everyone is happy and better for having
you share your art with them. Hope you keep enjoying your boxes for a long time.
 
#18 ·
I believe that the definition, the term "art" refers to "the expression or application of human creative skill and imagination, typically in a visual form such as painting or sculpture, producing works to be appreciated primarily for their beauty or emotional power." Yes. I went and looked it up!

This being accepted, I would definitely consider your boxes as 'artwork', although in my own mind I would have done so regardless.

Whatever guidelines we choose to follow, I look at your pieces and feel pleasure from doing so. There is a part of you represented in each piece you create and each one takes a great deal of skill and imagination.

To me, it is 'art' any way I look at it.

As the others stated, I hope you keep it up. :)

Sheila
 
#19 ·
Martyn, Many have already said the same thing I would say. I agree the most with the simply put words of Jamie.
I always look forward to seeing your creations and sometimes venturing into your blog to find how it was done. Look forward to the next one.

CtL
 
#20 ·
Some gr8 comments here. Everyone of us has an eye for differences. Like I always say, comments are appreciated, good/bad/ugly. Take them and use them as part of a progressive, learning process. All people have the artist inside of us, and we all share that part of us differently. As always, "Work/Play safe. Keep makin dust". Oh, and, Martyn, you are an artist. Your boxes and projects are like eye candy. :)
 
#21 ·
Thank you all for your comments. They are all greatly appreciated.

And would some Power the small gift give us
To see ourselves as others see us!

English translation of the first two lines from 'To a louse, On Seeing One on a Lady's Bonnet at Church' by Robert Burns

Although it would seem that his meaning was that we should not think too highly of ourselves the corollary, that we should not be too modest, is also true. Modesty is an English failing.
 
#22 ·
The word ART is so ill-defined, so generalized, we can say anything is art and who's to say nay?

The word BEAUTY is similar, but it's more visceral. We tend to feel it.

My preference is to consider something as ART when it is BEAUTIFUL.

Your work satisfies my definition!

ddwwb
 
#25 ·
I hope you are joking? I just went to your web site, and I would definitely classify the work that I saw there as art. They are fantastic. I now wonder in comparison about calling myself a box maker. Keep up the great work and never doubt for a moment that you are an artist.
 
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