Play Your Game
I am not good at chess. I play a little and can hang in there through a game but I don’t take the game seriously. I’ve never touched a chess book as some people do. I do like to think ahead five or six moves and develop options based on possible moves from the opponent. I do the same when I fight. I plan my moves and plan my reactions to possible attacks but remaining flexible and alert to any surprises. I play chess very fast too. I don’t like to be there thinking for too long what my next move is going to be. Some people take so long to make a move a just bring my sketchbook with me and doodle while they think. People have their way of playing and I respect that.
During my stay in Kampala, Uganda we played chess from time to time. One of the guys was slightly obsessed to beat me since his first nine attempts didn’t prosper. I went to Rakai for a few days and upon my return to Kampala my friend was waiting for me at the gate with the chess board in his hands. He told me about his nightmares during those nights and how he figured out how to defeat me. Honestly, he was so much better than me at the game and also takes chess very seriously. His tenth attempt ended in his defeat yet again. At that point I had to reveal my secret: “You are defeating yourself. You are trying to play my way. Play your game not mine”. We played for the eleventh time and after two hours and twenty five minutes, and many sketches, he won.
Sometimes we get distracted from achieving our goals because we are trying to play someone else’s game. Each one of us have specific goals sustained by specific values and desires. However, sometimes we try to adapt our ways and end up losing ourselves. I’ve been asked by a few people to change my art to something more ‘commercial’ so I can sell more. People is always recommending to do things in a certain way as if one size fits all. On the other hand, some people try to do things the way I do things. Doing things the way I do things entails that you have to become me and that might not work for you. I am not a fan of either one.
We can share knowledge and we can learn from each other. These are two different processes. We share knowledge all the time. Right now as you read this I am sharing knowledge with you. We transfer or give information. Learning is about ‘making sense’ and ‘finding meaning’ of the information in ways that we can apply, analyze, evaluate, and synthesize in new ways to create new things or thoughts. Learning is not about copying, reproducing actions, or repeating what somebody else’s said. Learning is experience through applied knowledge. Use what you learn to play your game.
Closing this exhibit is also the beginning of planing the next solo show. I am participating in group shows through the year but I don’t plan those. I just participate. That gives me time to get ready, put together a new collection, and put together all I need to make it happen. It is going to take some time but the most important thing for me is to be able to see it before it happens. It all begins with the art pieces and how they come together. That’s a constant work in progress. It is great to see it all unfold.
They arrive to find all the supplies ready to sculpt or paint. At the beginning you can feel how some are nervous and maybe scared to try out something new and different from them. Most people arrive to the parties with little or no experience whatsoever. Some come with friends, family, or a date. Some people make new friends and acquaintances. It is always fun to see how they compare each other’s skills as they go. Moreover is great when they get immerse in the process.
Before I knew what Art Nouveau was I was already drawing using organic forms, nature, and using the figure in this environment. During my college years, now that we are on the subject, I was unable to relate myself with the style. I guess I was too focused in following directions and finishing projects than finding myself and my style. A few years ago I began creating again and trying to figure out myself in order to answer the question, ‘What is your style?’ In a conversation with a colleague she made me look at pictures of art nouveau. That answered my question. My style is art nouveau. There is no doubt about it. There is no shame either. We understand each other well.
I was hooked on art nouveau even before I knew about it. I use the ‘whiplash’ through all my work. It made me feel at times that I was born in the wrong time. Now that society is more and more inclined to the organic and natural, and nature I think I’m in the right time. My new collection in process is more art nouveau than never before. The new bas-reliefs will not only be on a wall, they will dominate the wall. The sculptures abide with nature and embrace it in a rhythm of waves, vines, leaves. The figure rests and celebrates this environment. I can’t wait to have this new collection complete and revealed.
The Smell of Art
You may agree that art is in a sensorial experience. However, when you visit a gallery or a museum you are only allowed to look at the art. They might be playing some background music. That covers a second sense. In some gallery openings you can sip wine and eat something while appreciating the art. Three senses covered. Touching the art is off the question. But why? Those textures are so tempting. You want to touch. Don’t you? Some artists don’t mind people touching the art. Specially sculptures. You are allowed to touch sometimes if you ask nicely. That covers four senses. How about smell? Do you care about the smell of the gallery or museum? Do you care about the smell of art? Smells can trigger memories, images, and even bring back past experiences to the surface.
I confess that I smell my hands when I work with clay. It takes me back to the college days at the studio. Sometimes I sniff my finished sculptures. It is a way for me to confirm they are ready for show. When I enter a gallery I breath in. The smell of the gallery sets the mood before I look at the art. If the smell is not pleasant I turn around and leave. While appreciating a piece I keep my senses alert which serves as a neurological bridge that interconnects neurological receptors for a longer lasting connection.
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