A showcase of artists in Northern New York (NNY) and the North Country
Mitchell Price, Teacher, Artist Sculptor
What I have been taught about art would suggest that art is made as a response to an emotional state, or as an attempt to communicate or better yet express an emotive state to others. Perhaps certain work would seek to stimulate a such a state in others. While I certainly respect this approach and admire those who do it well I find myself more and more interested in the expression of ideas or concepts, albeit in a very ‘traditional’ way. I find that, particularly after teaching for some time, that the expression and communication of an idea can be every bit as beautiful as the communication of sentiment, or even art for the sake of art. If done well.
How this plays out in a commercial environment both intrigues me and inspires great dread, though not necessarily in equal measure. My main concern artistically is trying to skillfully respond to our contemporary world by highlighting events, themes, or ideas which for me reveal something about ourselves to ourselves. I suspect it is a project doomed to failure, but that is as far as I can tell the bargain the artist makes for being an artist.