This past fall semester every sophomore art student in the NYSSC at Alfred University was enrolled in an art history course that took on some heavy topics. We would talk about modern art and post modern art and what artists do. We also asked 'what is art?' but that is a discussion for another day. What I found most interesting about this course was talking about an artist's project. This really planted a seed in my mind. As a sophomore art major, I started asking myself what art I want to make, and what conceptual tasks should my art perform? I know that I have a year or two before I make it out into the real art world but, why shouldn't I start thinking about this now? If you are an artist, what kind of art are you interested in? What is your 'thing'? Is it making political work? Maybe some conceptual sculptures? Is it painting from observation, is it painting from the dreams and nightmares of your mind?
I feel that art school is somewhere where an aspiring artist can try things on for size. All different mediums, and assignments are tried to see which 'mask' will fit. Some mediums may be a disguise. Perhaps its the medium and style that don't feel like a mask that are the true fit.
What is your 'mask'?
