Hawkinson and Qiang

I really liked what Tim Hawkinson was saying about how music was a really big component of his art experience. Art must be viewed in the broadest sense of its meaning. It is an artist's duty to acknowledge and proliferate all forms of art - not just visual art, but performance, theatre, music, dance, language arts, culinary arts and the physical arts as well - even if they pursue mastery in only one or two specific disciplines. Music is an important component in my life.

Cai Guo Qiang’s bio was pretty interesting too… I wasn’t so much a fan of some of the work as I was his incorporation of the materials used. The way he developed a harmonious relationship with the gunpowder was really intriguing. I liked how he said that you have to accept the fact that the gunpowder was dangerous and accidental. I always have a profound respect for people who are able to let material things in their lives go for the sake of establishing “higher” connections. His work made me think of Ah Leon, a world renowned, Chinese ceramics professor. His work consists of ceramic teapots and landscape structures that are related to his heritage. His art was recently exhibited in the “Masters of Disguise” show at the Mint Craft + Design Museum. I find it absolutely astounding and honoring that an entire culture of people can structure their existence around the arts, whether it is by the way they dress, write letters, exercise or even serve tea.