American Cowffiti or The Accidental Artist
Episode 5 of Left Field
Published August 1, 2008 in the Northfield Entertainment Guide Of Note: ArtSwirl is an annual summer art event in Northfield.
STRANGE (and often rambling) BUT TRUE FACTOIDS
or, Simply Fodder for Your Next Cocktail Party
by Sherri Faye ©2008
FACTOID: What is Art? The definition of what constitutes art is subjective at best. As an artist and a writer I have a deep appreciation for the vast array of styles, medium, skill level and creative effort I come across. I took a class at the U a couple of years ago entitled “Why Art Matters”. It was a great class taught by Prof. Frederick M. Asher, and worth every cent of tuition and fees. During the course of this course there was occasional, and often engaging discourse, as we were presented with any number of images and asked to entertain whether or not we considered them to be art, and why. These images ranged from ornate carvings on Buddhist stupas and Renaissance paintings to beer advertisements and photos of living rabbits that appeared to have been genetically altered in order to have phosphorescent yellow fur (I’m not kidding). Ultimately the lessons culminated in the anthropological and historical understanding of just exactly why art does matter. In my estimation and experience as both artist and collector, the definition of art lies somewhere between the artist’s intent and inspiration and the beholders appreciation based on degree of impact, understanding and interpretation of the piece. I embrace the work of all who dare to create. ArtSwirl offers a vast array of art to be viewed, experienced, appreciated, discussed and reacted to… it is the perfect opportunity to stretch your view of art and ask yourself why you like something… or not, and are you willing to call it art even if it’s not something you would hang over your mantle or have poking out of your garden? Grab the gray area that lies between intent and reaction, and reach into yourself to see what comes out! You just may find more than you are looking for at ArtSwirl! And, who knows, you just might break the rules and hang brave new art above, say the stove instead of the couch, or utilize a garden sculpture as a hood ornament? Who knows?!
As an aside: Can cows paint? Perhaps. I do seem to recall that several years ago there was a bizarre surge of popularity in paintings done by elephants. These unsuspecting creatures were given the opportunity to become artists when some rather crafty humans placed a brush in the apprehensal trunks of selected elephants. These same humans then strategically placed paints and paper near said trunks. As elephants do, they swung their brush and paint laden trunks to and fro… and viola! We have art! Then these same genius opportunistic homosapiens proceeded to sell these pachyderm paintings for a princely sum. Art? Maybe. Clever? Indeed.
I have an idea: And, while it may seemingly make little sense, it could perhaps bring in a substantial amount of cents, if done correctly and marketed wisely. Since cows are more easily accessible to humans than are elephants. And since I create a cartoon strip starring a couple of cows (technically a cow and a bull, but, as usual, I digress…) I envision cow art! That’s right, the concept is quite simple really. By placing paint brushes on the end of a cow’s tail, and, making sure that the back end of the completely unawares bovine be very near conveniently located paints and canvas, you too can cash in on cow talent. Key to the success of this project, flies are a must. Simply let loose some flies to bother the cows and presto! Cows will indeed become accidental artists while trying to swat the pesky pests buzzing around their bovinian behinds. All the while, the cows are unwittingly slapping stabs and swashes of color across the canvas, and again… viola! We have art! Clearly there are a few minor details to concern yourself with, should you endeavor to make this your life’s work. Beginning with the fact that cow tails are not apprehensal, and ‘ending’ with the fact that this art is produced at the business end of the subjected cows. A probable solution could involve employing the use of duct tape… (Speaking of duct tape… I have seen some amazing art made with duct tape… who knew?)
Perhaps I will see you at ArtSwirl. And if you are driving off with a 3 foot stack of metal cubes as a hood ornament, I will know we either have great minds that think alike, or you read my column!
moolah* will be expounded upon in a future episode of Left Field
(c) 2008 Sherri Faye All Rights Reserved.
Buy cool cow crap! Cow gifts for cow fans!
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