INTERACTION IS THE ART

Yesterday I read in the Dayton Daily News about the newest special exhibition at the Dayton Art Institute. The show is titled “Into the Ether: Contemporary Light Artists” and is the first of five exhibitions, each one focusing on one of the elements (air, earth, fire, water, and in this case, ether).

What struck me was a comment made by one of the artists, Daniel Rozin, who teaches at New York University’s Tisch School for the Arts. Referring to his work as a light artist, he commented: “It’s important to understand that the art is not necessarily the object. The art is the moment of the interaction.”

While Rozin goes on to say that this is unique to interactive art and not to painting, and by extension other forms of 2D art, I am not sure I agree.

My collages are art, of course, just as my painter friends’ paintings are art. However, they also exist in the dimension of experience, specifically, the viewer’s experience or interaction with the piece of art, no matter the media. Is not that communication also part of the art? It’s something to ponder. 

 Light and Life, 9"w by 12"h

Back to the Blog-o-Sphere

I admit I have taken an extended vacation from my blog and of course, I never intended to be gone for such a long time. I have yet to commit fully to the discipline of blogging; something I definitely must work on! Even if no one is reading me it’s good practice to write down my thoughts.

Because I am always leaning towards the studio and work I intend to keep posts short. There is so much to read on the web these days I think it can tire one’s eyes, and one’s patience.

So, I am back. Just a couple of quick notes for today. I hung one of my big projects a week ago Sunday, one I have been working on for several months. It is a 12 foot long, 6 panel collage on canvas (or papier colle on canvas) which is now hanging in the new Northwest branch of the Dayton Metro Library. Find it in the adult reading room!

My piece, titled Spaces between Stones, is hanging proudly along with work by Francis Schanberger, Amy Anderson, and Virginia Kistler. The awesome Andy Snow has photographed all the pieces, and you can see them on Andy’s Facebook page as well as on mine. There will be a grand opening celebration of the new library branch on Saturday, April 22 from 1:30 t0 5:30 pm with the official public opening on April 23. Check Dayton Metro Library for more: http://www.daytonmetrolibrary.org/locations/northwest.

On another note, I just delivered work this morning to Premier Health; they are hosting a show of local art until April 1. Enter at Second and Main!