words of wisdom: Part I

Alright, I finally read the whole thing carefully. That is a lot to take in.

My first impression is that it does sound like a book evolving. I think you have LOTS going on and the story needs some clarification/editing. Big time. I think I know where this is coming from, you also make it fairly obvious in your statement. 

Being the peacemaker, I think it may not be a good idea to obviously vilify another media...just thinking here...stay with me. 

I am thinking about your work to date, that "fantasy" print shop etching, the gears, the planets. There is a mystery there that is very compelling. Evocative. Interesting. I worry that with your whole thesis riding on this one story that it gets too specific and doesn't allow much wiggle room for the viewer. There is a clash/struggle/discourse in the use of these images that show objects and spaces that are antiquated in a contemporary setting. Just the fact that you are choosing to use this imagery makes your statement for you. You are making art, using very old technology, of very old technology. It is CLEAR where your heart lies. 

You don't need to beat people over the head with a specific narrative. You draw them in with a whisper. Lead them, but don't tell them. Also, by not being very specific, you also allow a viewer who doesn't want to engage in this story a chance to just appreciate something that is GORGEOUS! 

If you want to show a specific clash of old and new think about how technology has changed and morphed. Look at the tools. The way you would have to open up a machine to find the gears, open up a computer to find the inner workings. Wouldn't it be cool if you found not only the differences, but also the common ground? What about diptychs? Can you make what is ugly to you in content, stunning to us visually.

Rambling, I know...but you got my brain going...

Subtle. Geoff. Try to find a quiet way to talk about this stuff.

I wish I could come up with some artists for you to look at...give me a while and I will try to get you some names.

BTW, so great that you are thinking about this NOW! The dialog is so important so that when you get back to campus you can hit the ground running!