Sunday, May 29, 2011

Art and the infamous inkblot theory

Art is like an inkblot.Its perceived in many different ways.An expression that unlike the Rorschach test (inkblot test) doesn't have a standard,rules, or a formalized way of calculating it....Its like finding yourself and who you are as a person.A freedom.Artists of any kind not only gain the gift of art itself an artist gains many things.An understanding of themselves,a freedom to express inner feelings,an outlet to alleviate any negative emotion or thought,a chance to share and interact with others,and they get to establish an emotional connection between the artwork and the viewer.This freedom can be used or abused all at the discretion of  the artist.Art can be executed right down the middle so to speak to appeal to all crowds.Art can be beautiful and elegant it can also be edgy and gritty.Art reminds me of a thing in life often overlooked that I will approach in a second.Now art as a process is always changing.Growing,swelling,regressing,progressing,drying,and it seems to always be in a state of movement.Similar to us as a human species and similar to the brain in any given thought pattern no matter how profound or mundane.So back to this thing I see so often overlooked.A tree in the fall is always considered dying.It is considered to be losing itself!How often is it looked at letting more sunshine hit the ground.How often are the shadows looked at as art themselves but most of all............The fact that when a tree loses its leaves there is a bud in that tree that stays dormant for a period but, there is life waiting to come out right behind what we call dying.This life exists but we cannot see it therefor we tend to ignore that it is right there...Very similar to art and life it has its seasons or its ups and downs.It is though always in a state of movement.It also until death will never stop.Like the Rorschach it is all about how you choose to look at it.A glass being half full or half empty scenario.Thank you all again for taking the time to see life through my eyes.It is much appreciated. 

Saturday, May 28, 2011

Criticism in its lighter and darker shades....

Definition of CRITICISM

1
a : the act of criticizing usually unfavorably <seeking encouragement rather than criticism> b : a critical observation or remark <an unfair criticism> c : critique 
2
: the art of evaluating or analyzing works of art or literature; also : writings expressing such evaluation or analysis <an anthology of literary criticism>
3
: the scientific investigation of literary documents

Criticism in its positive light- We can take criticism like we may take a piece of art work.Embrace it,Enjoy it,or hang it up on a wall and analyze it.We can constructively work with it in such a way that it embraces thought.The key word in this type of criticism is the word constructive.Provided we use it to build up,better ourselves,or gently nudge ourselves or others in a positive direction

Criticism in its negative light- We can also use criticism to downgrade others,bring them down,or use it in a more destructive manner  or method such as a judgment call so to speak.In a negative manner criticism can be used by the one criticizing to maybe hide behind some deeper insecurities.Similar to walking  past a painting and ripping it apart verbally based on a perception of what we may think might be wrong with it.Or maybe something we did not like about it


Now stay with me here........
Would you buy a painting or any piece of art that evoked a negative response within yourself? Would you give someone a piece of art you perceive to be ugly? Also do any two people perceive it in the same light?My firm belief is positivity and negativity are contagious.An epidemic we may consciously or unconsciously spread.We have all been on the receiving end of both kinds of criticism.As I have traversed through life I have noticed that we as a whole seem to spread the negative rather than the positive.Now that is my opinion and mine only.But what if we take this canvas (attitude) and paint (the way we spread it) positively rather than negatively?Letting this epidemic of positivity,evolution of thought and creativity spread like a wild fire.As a whole being a bit more conscious to encouraging and uplifting others?

Just out of curiosity what do you want to be on the receiving end of?!?!? 

Wednesday, May 25, 2011

Mr. Raab (aka) Artisticneurosis.......The co-exitence !?

ARTISTIC
ar·tis·tic
\är-ˈtis-tik\
1: of, relating to, or characteristic of art or artists
2: showing imaginative skill in arrangement or execution


NEUROSIS
neu·ro·sis
  \nu̇-ˈrō-səs, nyu̇-\
1:A neurosis, in psychoanalytic theory, is an ineffectual coping strategy that Sigmund Freud suggested was caused by emotions from past experience overwhelming or interfering with present experience.
2: a mental and emotional disorder that affects only part of the personality, is accompanied by a less distorted perception of reality than in a psychosis, does not result in disturbance of the use of language

So first we have Mr.Raab.A meek and kind individual whom seeks knowledge at every turn in life always trying to learn from previous mistakes.A person whom has been given an artistic talent for which he tries to bring others to an understanding of his perception on life.A person who tries to be professional and understanding the type to encourage and uplift people.This man whom against all odds pushes through the trials and tribulations in hopes to reach the sun and blossom like a lotus.A man whom has over 5 years in recovery and has beat the odds that were a way of life for him.The type of guy to make you think and better understand yourself and why we as humans make the decisions we make.The mad scientist type mentality on thinking.The quiet yet opinionated storm.The guy that is trying to be your best friend.A man that has art all around him and see's life through an artists eyes.Where everything has its own beauty no matter how it may look or be perceived by others.Generally speaking a somewhat normal artist if there is such a thing.!?!

Secondly we have Artisticneurosis.A kind of stir up the pot kind of guy.One who when he is told he cannot do something well he makes a mission out of it.A man that hides behind feelings of inadequacy that have plagued him most of his life.One who see's art as a vessel to instill or evoke reaction with an understanding that with artistic freedom people don't have to like or approve.The type of man to go to church in a straight jacket.And yes he has (true story).But either way the person who can watch a person looking at a piece of his art work head all cocked sideways like a confused puppy and be like that art is just crazy and engage in a conversation as though he has no clue who the artist is only waiting to jump in and say hey would you like to meet the artist I think he is here.As they say yes Artisticneurosis gently puts his hand out with a smile on his face like hello and giggles as they walk away confused.Now lets not misunderstand him he in no way wants to be rude or irritating he only loves human nature and the actions therein that make people tick.He is a people watcher.The type that would start a food fight being 30 years old.The man whom only wants to hide behind his defense mechanisms whatever they may be.Sarcasm being one of his strengths

So now they co-exist...A quite interesting batch of chemicals so to speak.Can be volatile in nature depending on circumstances the two seem to be in.So seeing as how they always co-exist there perception may be a little off a times but there co-existence becomes personified into craziness that is one step away if not right on genius at points.One always winning over the other through dominance depending on which one holds the cards at any one given time which I cannot stress enough is always subject to change.Now these two co-existing should not be confused with multiple personalities!The two are completely different like oil and water but shake them together and they mix well.Leave them alone long enough they start to separate from one another till shaken once again.So when you put the two in the same room well.......Be prepared because well I deal with both of them daily and I still don't understand them.You may meet  the meek understanding person or the sarcastic yet meek person who understands your only human and will play with you just enough for you to walk away and be like what the hell just happened so interested yet to skeptical to turn around and confront them again cause as you look back they are just smiling and looking at you like you are crazy.The co-existence is a match made in heaven an orchestration for which the best psychologist would be left only to have wasted an hour they will never get back.Ears smoking again only to wonder what just happened.The co-existence is nothing to fear though people.They are simply just artist's in every sense of the word from artistic knowledge to artistic points of view and sight also stand firm in artistic freedom .They want nothing more to co-exist with the rest of humanity but,When your different well you are just different.But I stress unless you are looking for trouble, The two together are as harmless as oil and water.But they both appreciate your interest in there inner workings.

Evolution of a single human thought......

As I sit here watching paint dry I realized many things...I am easily amused,I have just wasted 15 mins. of my life that I will never get back,and paint dries slow like watching a pot of water boil,All jokes aside though I sit back stare and watch the paint dry and realize that what I have laid forth upon this canvas is stuck until I take the time to change it.Now don't get me wrong currently watching it dry I am pleased but as I watch It its like life I wonder if I would have done it another way if it would have produced different effects? Now don't get me wrong the effect is the effect and I am pleased but, through my neurosis wonder what would happen if while it was drying if I splashed bleach or water against it,What would happen if I just press my face against it?...Well I would have a painted face!!!.....But I watch and as the paint dries it reminds me of my life it can look great one second and still look great the next but completely different at the same time.Sometimes more vibrant sometimes dull but either way it is still what I have produced.And as my mind silently goes through these ramblings I realize Chris your ummm your watching paint dry!But my mind see's life every time I paint sometimes through analogies some times through over analyzing.Mainly the analyzing but either way the paint canvas brushes and finished product all scream life.They all seem to be represent something because of my love for it I suppose.I would imagine anyone's love for something would scream life to them.If it be a child,hobby,job,brother,sister,mother,father,or friend they all give us reasons to do what we do.Things they do or say or time spent with what you love may scream life...I guess the saying is true if you cant find something to live for then you better find something worth dying for!This paint is almost dry now and I have already watched my thought pattern change from the paint as it may exist to the next step being the foreground or picture itself.As I look at the background for lack of a better definition I notice also that it will effect the foreground so do I leave it as is or do I tweak it a bit to add to the foreground for which will give more life to the finished product?Now as an artist I try to always do my best only little did I understand that I come through these paintings.Now don't lose me here I do not mean physically but a piece of MR. RAAB comes through into it.If it be emotion or a story line for which I am trying to portray.Now my sub-conscience has taken over and without me even realizing it has taken control over this paint or painting.Like seeing a counselor or spending time with someone for whom you look up to.The painting like these blogs has become the way my brain bleeds out the cracks that are in my seams.Stay with me here.Now these cracks in my seams that I cannot release anywhere else release themselves through this medium of paint that is always in a process....It may be wet,drying,or already dry but it is always in a state of progress.And this progress not only allows my painting to form but also brings me to a better understanding of what lies within the painting and myself from processes to perception.Many people may not understand these ramblings that I feel so deep inside that I paint or write them.Many may not understand the paintings or these letters but the ones that do well that is where it counts.If I can help anyone see there own drying paint for lack of a better analogy or if I can make anyone find a little more of there individualism or themselves well then these ramblings like the drying paint become progress.They become a start to a deeper meaning or understanding of what may make an individual tick or what may make someone act or react.When a person becomes a seeker of knowledge rather than blissfully ignorant.I giggle as I start a blog with as I sit here watching paint dry and it has moved forward to a person who becomes a seeker of knowledge....The evolution of a single human thought..Well This is where the drying paint is ready for another layer whatever that may be.So I hope I didn't lose anyone in my rambling and I hope that there will be someone out there that see's a meaning behind these words...I allowed my thought process to bleed so at least it is not another 15 mins. I can't get back hopefully its not another 15 mins. you cant get back..I hope anyone who comes across this can find enlightenment in these words and find the individual that lies within themselves if they have not already.

Monday, May 23, 2011

Art and emotional issues

Art of any kind in itself is a self expression.Where the inner emotion becomes a constructive outward manifestation.Art is used everyday to alleviate feelings of anxiety, crisis, inadequacy, and whatever the mind may perceive as a threat in life.It is also used widely to help with many mental instabilities ranging from autism to schizophrenia among many others.Art helps the inside reach the outside.We live in a world where medications to mask symptoms have unfortunately become a way of life and given the growing number of mental issues the medications have become easier than handling the problem with a little more caring and emotion.Now art alone may not alleviate the issues completely but, it is proven to help.It allows anyone suffering from any mental issue to explore,find, and sometimes address the issues at hand.Something between art and the human mind finds what we may consciously not be approaching and doctors simply just don't have the time to find.I know personally being plagued with panic attacks and a past of addiction that art was a dramatic help.Without art I believe that on a mental level my progress would have been hindered a bit.Art has helped me go from at one time being stuck in the house to now being an upstanding member of the community.Now don't get me wrong I am still hindered slightly by not being able to go on a 4 hour ride somewhere cause of the fear that still exists inside of me but, the art has helped me dramatically in exploring those fears and why they exist.Through the art I can take a fear and make it into something positive rather than negative.Many people explore medications as an approach to get rid of an existing problem.There is nothing wrong with that but,I believe that if you were to address the issue with something constructive if it be art or not that the issue will dissipate.Now I have had people say well isn't that just masking the symptoms also? And to a point yes.There is also an underlying factor here though.The brain being as amazing as it is functions all day long even as we sleep.The brain is always running variables and scenarios.So if given a constructive outlet is the brain capable of healing itself to a degree?The art giving the mind the chance to vent so to speak would be the same as being in the woods getting out a good scream.Art has been around since before the spoken word.Since then it has been a form of expression.Maybe even the precursor to speech but again the brain being as intricate as it is found a way to get out what was dwelling so deep within.When I think about Mozart and the many others who overcame things through the arts is this something so deeply instilled in us that we neglect to explore for lack of silly things like people saying well I can't create or I am no good at that stuff?Is art this mechanism built into us to help us deal with life's many issues?Maybe, but just a random thought today.If given the right funds or opportunity I will be sure to explore in more depth.Art isn't just a picture or a style its a way of life and in my opinion a very constructive one.Thank you for anyone taking the time to read this it is appreciated. C. Raab   

Friday, May 20, 2011

This canvas we paint (life choices)

 Life, this canvas We decide to paint is a crazy one.Organized chaos with moments of complete bliss.This canvas (life) just sits there leaving itself open for us to do everything or nothing with it.This canvas may have been primed with low grade primer for which we should not complain for it only provides more motivation on the painting for which we paint later.As we first pick up a brush we may be scared of this canvas!Being reluctant to even apply paint to such a problematic canvas.Almost as an excuse not to paint (progress), thinking well it was low grade canvas to begin with do we really want to invest time in painting it?These thoughts may plague us.As we start painting this canvas we may begin to realize this is going take much more work than assumed!Layer after layer this canvas may become a mess.Colors seeming not to meld how we are shown?But are we using two completely different kinds of paint.The canvas cannot handle it.As we may watch this canvas bow out.This canvas is screaming for help.Bent,No color theory,Torn,Cracked,and yet as much as we may think, is not beyond repair.The paint was just an applied layer on top that really stressed the canvas but in the same sense had no bearing on the canvas provided we are willing to do the work to change it.So then comes the thing I like to call the mid-life crisis of our canvas where just as we may be ready to break this thing over our knees and give up.Just when this canvas cannot look an uglier.We may have to make a change and take sandpaper to it.....Whoa back down to straight canvas what a beautiful sight!Now we can apply proper primer and provided motivation we may do so.Still very skeptical to apply paint some of us may stare at this white almost blinding canvas for what seems like forever.We may feel the love for which we want to apply but know applying it as we see it in our heads was going to be no easy task.But also realizing the longer we take to ponder and look at this canvas the longer it would be before this thing would blossom into the masterpiece we think it could be.As we may or may not sit in a blank stare something just clicks and the brush seems to become one with the canvas.The two seem to co-exist.Then comes the realization as much as we may be focusing on the canvas the prep work was important to the finished product but,The paint would also have a dramatic effect on this canvas which will always be under the paint regardless of how many layers we apply.......So here is the point where our canvas's (life) take on a life of their own and with a little more love on our parts the paint can be applied how it should.So now the hard work we begin meticulously applying paint layer by layer being careful that the canvas is the foundation and that the paint was representing the love,devotion,motivation,the feelings so deep inside only paint and canvas could describe.Feelings at times so hard to swallow.Feelings inside that no emotion could express just the way it was felt.Layer after layer like watching a child grow this canvas takes on its own life for lack of a better word.This canvas was starting to not really go the way we may have portrayed in our heads but in the same sense this route it may take is like nothing we could have thought it was capable of doing......So here we are mid painting.We think we have taken this canvas in a direction bound for greatness but only time will tell?!As long as this canvas is the foundation and the paint strokes are done with the utmost care love and devotion always thinking of the end result and understanding the painting is subject to change at any time well then I guess as far as this canvas (life) goes We in our decisions have done right by it.....So as the paint is applied and dries and as long as we are comfortable looking at this canvas for the rest of our time well IT IS WHAT IT IS..............Just a random thought not to speak on anyone's behalf just an opinion that may or may not apply to many.