| seems
that we wait for the artist to pass before we acknowledge his or her body of work,
as an important part of our society. For me, a sculpture or pot created by the
artist should be recognized not only as a living memory of its creator, but a
glance at society from a different time and place. For me, their work also represents
a statement now and for the future generations. I want to change the concept of
the artist and his or her contribution to society. They are writing the history
of culture through their design. It is important to study artists from the past
to understand our history, yet it is even more important to study the current
artists creating because they are our bridge to seeing the future. Meeting many
artists over my life has made me a better person just in the fact that I understand
my place on earth from a perspective I never knew was part of my being. The art
is constantly changing, and we need to take note. The
monographs written on ceramic art seem to expound upon the same fifty to hundred
artists, and this truly worries me in a society, where our history is based on
a Movement of men and women. The writers make it sound like a few artists have
made ceramic history for all, yet we know without the support of others in the
medium that these stars would not be shining so brightly. I challenge the public
to study the American Studio Movement from possibly a regional perspective or
a particular design element and the cast of potters involved from the past and
present. Realize you may be changing the way people think about this art form,
as well as others. You, too, can have a voice in our culture for the present and
future. Take interest in what you like and not what society tells you to like.
Tell that special artist you care about their body of work, and even reflect the
meaning of their art in your life. This is such a powerful dialogue. This site
is for everyone because it represents our culture from a ceramic study of the
past, present and future. Kind
Regards, Charles
A. Blim Jr., President |
