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Artist Exhibitions:
"Il corpo, lo spazio" June,
2001
Foiano della Chiana, Tuscany,
Italy...
Further Information
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Collections:
Coming Soon!
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Commissions:
Coming Soon!
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Artist Statement for Paul Bracey
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Writing an artist’s statement has proven to be an incredibly difficult thing to do. For me, it seems to teeter on the brink of impossibility. It is difficult enough just to produce an image itself (despite the feeling that my images fill and spill out of a world of senses). Indeed, the simple act of naming an image is difficult. Words are difficult. They are but vague landmarks of our world once removed from sight and touch. Sometimes they are even like faded signs, unreadable and pointing in the wrong direction. The infrequent happenstance when words make the connection to our world of senses is always delightful, but it is significantly rare. All the more reason that the task of writing an artist’s statement seems more like it is tipping off the brink into impossibility. But if words are the opposite of visual and tactile substance, there must be a way for them to coexist.
What do you see? Hopefully, you will see things as you haven’t seen them before. Part of my goal has to be to show things in a new light, or as the case may be, in a revealing darkness. Part of the goal has to be to strike a certain, indistinct chord that reverberates inside of you with a familiarity beyond what you are looking at. Sometimes, part of the goal is simply to strive to bring images and ideas from the subconscious to the surface, building upon improvisational techniques as part of the process. Yet another part of the goal has to be to reconcile the difference between opposites; color and monochrome, line and form, simplicity and complexity, truth and fiction. Ultimately, these images should allow the viewer the joy of discovering their own meaning.
Each image is different and speaks differently, but each one has a voice. Sometimes it's difficult to let that voice be heard. Self-doubt and prejudice hinder any objectivity. A clear mind is a fantasy. But each image becomes like a friend, supportive and encouraging (and sometimes needs that same support and encouragement in return). We are at once, anchored by our creativity and liberated through it. It helps us celebrate our joy, and consoles us when we're sad. Sometimes the fruit of our creativity is overvalued for connections inside that fail to completely make the transition into the work. These are always difficult lessons, but hopefully something is learned. In that sense, even the flops may be successful. They still have a voice. They provide additional perspective with which to approach the remaining work. They have a generosity beyond that with which they were made. Some works are dynamic. Like a dance, they change with the music. When blessed with the courage, determination, and luck to show work, it is often quite refreshing to learn that it speaks to others too. This is a cause of great pride. It is like someone heaping praise on your child. After all, the work is not you, but something that became itself through you. Like good deeds and children, it is often tempting to describe them in great detail, pointing out each feature and benefit worthy of praise, but in the end, it is usually best to let them speak for themselves.
Like raising children, family and friends prove ever so helpful with their wit, insight, honesty, encouragement, and support. To them, I offer a sincere, “Thank you.”
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