Mar. 14, 2009

I've been again, talking to some of my artist friends about reclamation, transformation, and redemption. These are especially important concepts to me since they pertain to my work using found objects, especially rusted metal (as of late). I find these objects in many places - even in my kitchen. In addition to finding metal, I have been cutting off the tops and bottoms of cans, burning them to give an aged appearance and incoporating them within my art work. I was thinking of how ordinary and unimportant a cut can lid is and how this particular piece of metal has the most humble of existances.
The idea of reclamation has within it a component of restoration or at the least - recovery. But inherent within it is that the object has a certain sense of value or worth - something that can be redeemed or is worthy of redemption. That is seen through the eyes of the artist. These objects have been selected, chosen, found precious - even treasured for not all objects are collected and used within the art work. They have been adopted in a sense for something that is chosen is deemed special and worthy even when it might not have the appearance of worthiness. I'm not sure why I gravitate toward the metal at this point. Possibly it is a creation of man, something that represents the creativity and ingenuity of our species, a monument of sorts. But these monuments have flaws for they will not last forever. Even when they are made of materials that suggest strength and solidity, they decay over time. It is usually with such decay that the value of the objects is lost and that is what is restored or recovered within the art work.
The transformation from a decaying, worthless piece of metal to an object of beauty is contained in the redemptive act of creation. It is through this act that the nature of the object is transformed, given new meaning and significance. And with this new meaning, new appreciation and awareness of it can occur. It becomes something other than itself for it has been given a new purpose, a new life if you will. The character of the object changes, it converts from something that is discarded and possibly ugly to something that is valued and beautiful. This adoption, this reclamation, this transformation, and this redemption of a simple, humble object mirrors the redemptive act of our heavenly Father. That is one of the reasons why creativity is so powerful and art itself is so powerful. It becomes a window into the heavenly realm and reflects the grace and care of our Lord.
Well, that's it for now. Until next time... take care, enjoy, and God bless!