Welcome to the starting block of STOPS IN INTERESTING PLACES. Over the next few days I'll be issuing a series of posts leading up to the debut of my interview with.local (Philadelphia) artist Mauro Zamora. The preamble is intentional. Partly visual, providing cumulative access to Mauro's images, to allow for and encourage looking before reading. Partly practical , a chance to introduce the site more thoroughly through metered entries. Lastly it's a fitting exploitation of the theme- submitting the whole of the endeavor as the work in progress that it is ... I'm all for showing the seams, and numerous layers of transparency.
Images feature work by artist MAURO ZAMORA [click to enlarge in new window/tab
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“A painting is never finished. It simply stops in interesting places.” - Paul Gardner
So reads the full quote attributed the somewhat obscure name of this blog, which, as the header describes is centered on explorations of art, artists, and the creative process. Coming across it was one of those "floor me" moments in artistic encounter, when you strike on an instance of sheer creative genius. These counts, for me, are often reserved for finite measures—a detail, gesture, fragment…with text, exact turns of phrase can be particularly exquisite. In this case, an incisive perception, absolutely on point in articulating the overarching premise of the site. It basically encompasses a complex of thought and idea I could write on indefinitely and. nails it, in two lines. With writing specifically, it’s the precision, that’s what kills me. Alas, economy of expression is a capacity I admire far more than possess, so given the extent of what the quote conveys—in regards to my perspective of art, what I and this project are interested in—I actually will be writing on it as an ongoing component [one of many mitigating slants] Ditto for the inexhaustible matter of what “process” is. But that’s a whole other ball of wax.
So reads the full quote attributed the somewhat obscure name of this blog, which, as the header describes is centered on explorations of art, artists, and the creative process. Coming across it was one of those "floor me" moments in artistic encounter, when you strike on an instance of sheer creative genius. These counts, for me, are often reserved for finite measures—a detail, gesture, fragment…with text, exact turns of phrase can be particularly exquisite. In this case, an incisive perception, absolutely on point in articulating the overarching premise of the site. It basically encompasses a complex of thought and idea I could write on indefinitely and. nails it, in two lines. With writing specifically, it’s the precision, that’s what kills me. Alas, economy of expression is a capacity I admire far more than possess, so given the extent of what the quote conveys—in regards to my perspective of art, what I and this project are interested in—I actually will be writing on it as an ongoing component [one of many mitigating slants] Ditto for the inexhaustible matter of what “process” is. But that’s a whole other ball of wax.
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The blog project is an offshoot of a book I planned (still plan) to write a few years back called The Circle, likewise focused on personal process, framed around my close circle of friends all of who. happened to be exceptional talents in a range of creative disciplines (varied visual mediums, music, writing, philosophy). It came to mind a complete concept. Somewhat of an inevitable epiphany owed the notion to follow my fascination through writing, and the blatant luck and prospect of my circumstance. I was surrounded by artists who were not only strong enough to merit account, but collectively, effectively formed a microcosm. A set of intimate portraits, compiled, proposed insight into relationships between respective forms and mediums; a snapshot of the broader network and constructs of creating. I had immediate access, a self-evident premise, it was so clear-cut the idea of actually authoring a book didn’t seem that implausible. And as soon as I seriously considered it I knew exactly what it would involve and comprise.
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The book was envisioned, fundamentally, as a collection of conversations. Chapters would be based on in-depth sessions with individual members, interspersed by group dialogues prompted in assembling varied cross-sections. Though weighted specific traits and strengths I could bring to the table, the incentive of the strategy was also directly credited the company—really a natural extension and intent to model the experience of our social interaction. The potential here, as I saw it, was for something beyond bios and dissertations, contrary to formal interviews—actual, authentic exchange. And balanced the advantage/angle of personal connection (ease, familiarity ect.) there was an x-factor to our collaborative dynamic, this fierce kinetic energy… What I aspired. to capture in print was the cause and effect of that magical turn in idle talk that sparks and spirals open, abstract discussion.
What my friends’ work and consequence as artists reflected, all around, was an openness and intensity with which they thought, perceived, and explored—everything. And, whether applied, our approach of any topic was never confined to exercise or areas of expertise. The trust was in a shared mentality and general capacity among the players, wherein the fields were leveled but the bar was always raised. It made for extraordinary bouts and debates…relentless rounds, pushed to the furthest extents and digressions, and marked an excess of humor, candor, and volatility…
Needles to say, the convergence of elements invariably incited the most stimulating, random, provocative talks about art, and the limitless contexts conspired around it.
What my friends’ work and consequence as artists reflected, all around, was an openness and intensity with which they thought, perceived, and explored—everything. And, whether applied, our approach of any topic was never confined to exercise or areas of expertise. The trust was in a shared mentality and general capacity among the players, wherein the fields were leveled but the bar was always raised. It made for extraordinary bouts and debates…relentless rounds, pushed to the furthest extents and digressions, and marked an excess of humor, candor, and volatility…
Needles to say, the convergence of elements invariably incited the most stimulating, random, provocative talks about art, and the limitless contexts conspired around it.
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...So reads the subtle segue.The backstory gives you the gist. Fairly precisely as the book was [and still is] intentioned the blog is ventured. Expanded outside the original cast, the directive and format, the guidelines the circle inspired all carry forward online; added some twists and developments. Forthcoming installments will overview the specifics. As for those trickier themes, if barely, the same plot does the scratch the surface here as well. There's a pivotal factor/concept/ construct that leads through and pulls things together—a baseline, as it relates to my scheme, and Art (in the broadest scope).
What's connecting the dots between projects, the dynamic, potentials, premise, the inquiry directing the pending content, what the title/citing encompasses... ..The conversation is the foundation. ...As artist's we mediate, material points of entry and self-contained resolves—STOPS, tangible holds in the flux. And as the parallel goes, whatever we draw to an end is perpetually waiting and willing to be picked up again. That’s process—act and impetus. That’s what the quote gets - - - The imperative is the search (…is the process …. is the work… )
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Creativity (anywhere close to genius) is generation of the question.
