The Work of Art

Art, at root, means "to fit together." So each of us engages in the work of art when we fit our unique and individual selves into a whole life and landscape, into our communities, into our common stories. The doing of it — from washing the dishes to hoeing the beans to painting, drawing, or sculpting — it all requires art: technique, skill, awareness, patience, perseverance. Traditional wisdom says the same: "An artist is not a special kind of person; every person is a special kind of artist." Why, then, do we believe the notorious idea that art is such a difficult undertaking? Why believe the popular myth of the outcast genius pitting her or himself against the whole of society? At ten, I wanted to carve stone, but by college I'd become cynical. After college, I worked on "changing the world." A dozen years later, I decided to go back to art. Slowly I started to see the world — and to understand art — in ways that made more sense, that offered support and encouragement, and that made it possible for me to live by my art (tho that has grown to include much more than sculpture). The ideas aren't mine, nor are they new, but neither are they fashionable. I started writing essays partly because I gain a better grasp of those things I have to share. As of November, 2010, I'm revising the old essays and adding new ones. I would be pleased to hear what you think. — Kiko Denzer. More work at: handprintpress, kiko's page, chelseagreen, and another blog