I've had a few revelations concerning art recently.

Most notably are concerning the necessity of boundaries and rules and tradition in art and the importance of collaboration of artists.

As as sit on my bucket stool and typing at my cardboard box desk, in my unfinished basement studio, staring at a blank canvas, I can't but think about these two ideas. My brother stumbled across this quote from a book about raising children.

"Creativity is the product of boundaries, not freedom. With absolute freedom, there is no need for creative thinking or problem solving."

Last semester in one of my art classes, a fellow student rambled on about the freedom in art and how things in his work had to be there just because. Honestly, I didn't enjoy his work (though I respect his right to make it how he feels.) I always wondered why I felt this way, and I think this quote sums it up. Artists need rules, tradition, foundations and boundaries. These fundamentals force us to be creative, to think outside of the box, and explore new media, ideas, and applications. But if we cross boundaries, the art loses something, be it appeal, credibility, doneness, wholeness, or explanation. Art is a process, art is science, art is proper, methodical, and bounded by necessary rules, theories, and traditions.

Also, the importance of collaboration amongst artists. So many artists try to "do there own thing" alone. Think back to the days of the Impressionists, or Picasso, or the Dutch Masters. They socialized with other artists to throw ideas around, make sense of things, and create art. Together. My favorite artist Robert Motherwell, always marveled at Pablo Picasso when they spent time together. My friend Alan and I had dinner together the other night, and out of nowhere spun awesome ideas and goals for our art over the summer, from collaborative pieces, individual goals, to art galleries for school. It was mind blowing. What happens when two or more artists get together is mind blowing. I would not have cool new art if it wasn't for artists helping me, like or Dave Zak teaching me how to apply epoxy resin. So, to all you artists out there, Collaborate! Find Creativity within the rules and theories of art!

DO IT!

and love it.

Also, check out my new art, and stay tuned for more!