SUSAN GILBERT — LINKS
April 1, 1999
Heard on the Elizabeth Ann, ferry to Monhegan,
Maine:
“One kind of work
describes its object and is about the object. The other work is about
art.” “There is nothing wrong with illustration, but it
should be acknowledged, that is what it is.”
What do I believe? All art
work is about art. All people see and respond to the world in an unique
way. Art is the product of a true eye, a personal vision which one may
or may not have the privilege to uncover. The truth of art will be revealed
when given the chance to become itself through time and work.
Alex Katz, visiting lecturer to my
school in the early 70’s, showed his recent work, cutouts-
wooden silhouettes of figures with his characteristic, flat , simple
delineation. He described that work as seen with “quick light,”
and explained that he meant the impact to be gotten immediately, all
at once. I compare this to the to the painting of Vermeer, timeless,
still, yet endlessly unfolding,to my vision seen in the slowest light.
Broad categories are used to organize art,
and to try to understand it. Context, history surround us. The frame
of reference can be daunting. Where in this sea of time do I belong?
To work, to search, to find my vision knowing that
truth in art can only become itself through time and work.
The artist who continues to open may interpret
vision. Like DNA, art which becomes signature expression
is predetermined. Style is secondary to vision. Incorporating
much or little of history, art is narrative, figurative
or abstract, minimal or baroque, technological, conceptual. With quick
or slow light, art is always about itself.
So, art may be about describing a harbour, may be about
color and pattern, may tell a story, or not. Art can be
almost anything. How to organize art is personal. I
choose not to draw a line. Why subvert my need to be surprised by the
unexpected, to be enlightened, refreshed. When viewing art I ask, does
the color sing? does the paint move me? does this work have a
life? can I return to it? will it be thrown away? does it move me? Is
this rich, true, right? Art is.
