Is this project art? Perhaps a construction with a reuniting of one's self with the past- a joining of my ideas with a great photographer Edward Curtis and his documentation of the Native American. Is this art or craft or both or is it a journey for me to release these spirits back to the earth by an individual who fears much of a great culture has vanished - to remind people of the spirit that came before us in this great land? It has become a journey using art and craft -the journey filling me with a purpose of who I am and where I fit in on this planet.
So what about the ability to use free domain art work without restrictions in current art pieces? This brings up the delimma as to whether the art work or piece can be considered art and if it is marketable. I find what I do to fall right in the middle of this. I have reformulated many out of date books and have tried to even sell a few; but so few of the public cares. It appears to me that the public prefers how Disney does it today. I would not call these reconstructions of mine "originial art" but an "art-craft" with the wisdom and creativity of the original part of the mind that works to be pushed forward and to further have our hands create what our minds sees. This is just another way to keep the handmade book alive and well. There are only so many blank journals one wishes to have.
I want to allow people to take part in the wonder of books, words and illustrations that have gone the way of the broken back book and the Velveteen Rabbit. I find wonder and amazement when one turns a page to find new illustrations and words that can dance in our minds and create original visions. This format must never be lost. The illustrations and words of books that are no longer in print have great lessons to be found. Our culture needs to keep these wonderful images alive-complex pictures that enable the mind to search and learn. There is nothing so wonderful as a story- a story that stays alive in our minds forever.
I have no connection with the Native American and when I came across this collection, I found myself drawn to them-thinking about their lives-knowing so little and so much mystery to be embraced that I began printing them out and placing them around my desk. I guess I was beginning to know them. I heard their spirits - their joy and wanted to say thank you. Some seemed so sad, that I too wept.
Beetenno Cei3woo Hotii uses Eward Curtis's photographed images that were downloaded in their original format and were then cleaned up and cropped before printing and formatting into the hanging pages of the book. Further images showing Native American Life were transferred to the leather on the wagon to further show the culture and life of these peoples. Without these photos there would be no wagon. There would be no smiles or eyes to free again into their spiritual world. The piece is composed of my work and Edward Curtis'; however, the point of the piece is totally mine - the need to release spirits that seem to have left this world not knowing that man does honor thier ways and how they developed and kept this land safe and wonderful before "the immigrant white man." The"white man" who from fear decided that he needed all of their land and that these people who were not like them should be marched with tears to no land for no man.
The wagon is my way of releasing these peoples again to their earth. To rejoice in all that they left for me-all that I do not know that was blow in the dust. All that I can find again by allowing wind to blow my hair, and leaves to touch my feet, water to wash my face and sun to warm my body. I say thanks and oh my what a road was chosen by men who should have learned to share some land.
So back to the idea is it art. It is being created with nothing being asked in return. It is a journey between made and maker. It is an over filling of something that needs to be released in another way- is it art? I am sure some will say no it is just craft and to that I will smile as my handy hands do craft well- that precision where things are put together to give purpose to the idea that came first. Is not the idea art? Nothing can be all art unless one can call the skill of the craft art as well. Is not all art partially craft for the painter must know how to work the brush and have skill in doing it.
Are answers even important?
Post Script:
It has been several weeks since I sat at this computer and asked myself this question about using free domain work in one's art. My completed piece was submitted for jurying in the show and was accepted to include also a full sheet watercolor called "Fire Spirit." The reception was last Friday night and my piece was well viewed and at the ceremony to annouce the awards- my piece was named second place in the show. The show awarded 6 prizes to include first, second, third and 3 honorable mentions chosen from over 70 works. It pleased me to win- it should; but, the journey was truly the joy of the piece and getting to know the Native Americans who were so sadly subjected to the "white man's ways." If it is truly a piece of art and made only for the journey at some point the piece should be given back to the earth-that gives us our lives. Perhaps the demise of the piece should be by burning or left for the earth to retake through its crumbling. I will have to wait on that part.
Peace be with all mankind-it is what we need-be patient and allow man to be. We must learn to live with one another-we do not need to like each other, but we do need to learn to live among one another without hate.
