Sharing My Artistic View

By David K. Chang


Art is an expression of the spirit that is not limited by time or space. Although artistic styles differ depending on the artist's background, rationales, interests, and feelings, the intent of all artwork is to guide audiences into a specific mood. Therefore, art arouses an echo between the audience and the artist. This echo can be one of excitement or agony, of humor or anger, of comfort or sadness, of oppression or complete release, or one of inexpressible description. Artists continue to explore their own finished work as well as to encourage audiences to gain a deeper understanding of that work.

Excellent artwork often comes from self-examination. Even though an artist may believe he is developing and refining his style by intuition, this intuition is usually the artist's unrecognized expression of his reflection, which has embedded itself into his subconscious.

My inspiration frequently comes from my reflection on and enjoyment of nature, from my loving it and studying it. The artwork that comes from this reflection can express the resolution of conflict between man and nature, or the connection between them. These ideas can be articulated in the freedom of my creative process as I use the media to express the relationship between space and ordering. In the end, nature not only provides me with artistic inspiration, but also with the materials and media for the expression of those inspired ideas and concepts.

Nature's value and beauty co-exist with man's intelligence, but cannot be comprehended, appreciated, or used unless it is first recognized. As man recognizes and explores nature¡¯s value, there is an integration of human intellect and discovery with nature¡¯s intrinsic artistic worth. Such an integration gives nature an enhanced value and beauty as the artist manipulates it. Because the artist puts his hand to nature, it becomes more beautiful.

Though nature is the foundation of my artistic work, it is much more. Nature is the fount of life's supply. It is a necessity for the spirit as well as a necessity for the body. Therefore, it must be approached with respect and even reverence by all people, the artist as he draws inspiration and materials from it, the common man who is sustained by its resources and touched by its beauty.

In response to God's generous gift, man has an obligation. That obligation is to keep nature unharmed. When nature is damaged due to man's avarice, the consequence is detrimental to the very center of human sensitivity. Artistic expression will be denied its treasure chest of inspiration. Man's capability to respond to beauty will be diminished. The integration of nature¡¯s intrinsic artistic worth with human intellect and the ability to discover will be unbalanced.

At this time and in this place, I have many opportunities to have a dynamic relationship with nature, to draw inspiration from it and to utilize it as a media, and to give back an enhanced nature through my artistic creations. At this time and in this place, I am at harmony with the natural world.