(excerpts from an article by Barney David)

“Blowing in the Wind”

Bald Eagle Feather  –  Chilkat Bald Eagle Preserve, Alaska

My reason for sharing this article is not so much why I make art. That’s easy.

Rather, the ideas expressed herein are why I insist on using nothing

but the very best materials and craftsmanship in the production

of my photographic art. It’s also why I am able to offer

a lifetime warranty on my art.

Your art will outlive you. It is a gift to the future.

One of the coolest things about making art or fine crafts is it will outlive you. Besides Norm Abram and the New Yankee Workshop, what motivated my interest in woodworking was seeing an exquisite rocking chair made by Sam Maloof. That piece is now part of the Smithsonian Collection.

It was the first time I became aware on a higher level of the longevity or art. It’s as obvious as the nose on a face, but until one grasps what it means to make something that might live on for centuries, it’s not clear. At least it was not for me.

 

Seeing that piece of furniture gave me a new perspective.

I cannot explain what it was about the chair. I’d seen thousands of pieces of art and fine art crafts in my life. Nevertheless, something about it hit home with me. I could not resist the urge to take on woodworking and see how far I could take it.

For the first time in my life, I understood what Hippocrates meant when he wrote, “Ars longa, vita brevis.” The aphorism is part of a poem he wrote in of a medical text some 2,500 year ago, which is incredible in itself. Translated, it reads like this:

 

“Life is short,

[the] art long,

opportunity fleeting,

experiment dangerous,

judgment difficult.”

 

I had awareness of the saying for years before its true meaning hit home.

What’s interesting is I’d seen the phrase many times. I saw it every time I went to the magnificent the St. Louis Art Museum. It is prominent on the building. That museum is a place I often visited in my childhood with my mother and siblings. It is one of the great museums in the country, and still free to the public. What a treat.

Yet, to finally understand what something means on its deepest level, to have the veil lifted and add to my life in a meaningful way. That was unique. It is what art can do. Knowing that sort of thing is possible has to answer why many artists make art.

 

Your art will be remembered!

Maybe your art will not make the Smithsonian, or remembered hundreds or thousands of years from now. That won’t stop it from giving pleasure and meaning to its owners for decades to come. To me, that’s a pretty laudable way to think about why you make art.

 

 * * * * * * * * * *

So, why do I make art? My answer to this question is simple. I have no choice in the matter. It’s who I am. It chose me as much, if not more so, than I chose it.

In the opening paragraph, I mentioned that I insist on the very best materials, along with quality craftsmanship, in the production of my photographic art. The company that does all of the for me is The Photo Touch in Loveland, Colorado. They handles all of my printing, framing, and shipping needs. I’ve been in this business for years and this company, without a doubt, is the very best. It may cost a bit more, but you always get what you pay for. So, if you are looking for a photographic service company that does really quality work, you will not find anyone better than The Photo Touch. And, I do mean anyone!

Check out The Photo Touch. Click HERE. 

* * * * * * * * * ** 

Click HERE and read the entire Barney David article, “Why Do You Make Art?”

 NOTE: If you make art and are looking for ways to sell what you produce, you need to consider subscribing to his free weekly posts on Art Marketing News, while you’re at it. I have been a subscriber for a several years and thoroughly enjoy reading what he has to say about the entire process.