Alchemy in Art Making
Alchemy, as a process, is very much entrenched in art making, in both the physical and mental senses.
Physically, a transformation of materials occurs. The materials of an identified media change from base objects to a vehicle through which meaning can be created. This could work on a basic level, where materials are used to convey significant colours, textures etc. Objects could also work on a greater level, where the materials/objects themselves are exploited for the meaning that they already hold in their forms. Such use of materials can typically be seen in assemblages, where old objects are given new meaning through the exploitation of their original forms. In this case, physical alchemy occurs as materials are purposefully combined and altered to create the desired ‘gold’.
Mentally, meaningful work is created through the mental processes of an artist. In this, an artist gathers influences, as well as information. They ponder their interests, and make connections between old and new ideas. This is where the intellect of the artist is engaged. By combining and refining a mixture of key ideas, an artist is able to work intelligently towards a piece. This creates a purpose for the work, making it significant.
While the separate processes of physical and mental art making each display their own alchemical development towards the finished piece, it could be suggested that the alchemy found in art making is ultimately the unity of these two aspects. That is, only by combining the material with the intellect with a certain degree of balance will a successful art work be created. The artwork then becomes both the alchemical vessel as well as the product of ‘gold’.
Alchemy, as a process, is very much entrenched in art making, in both the physical and mental senses.
Physically, a transformation of materials occurs. The materials of an identified media change from base objects to a vehicle through which meaning can be created. This could work on a basic level, where materials are used to convey significant colours, textures etc. Objects could also work on a greater level, where the materials/objects themselves are exploited for the meaning that they already hold in their forms. Such use of materials can typically be seen in assemblages, where old objects are given new meaning through the exploitation of their original forms. In this case, physical alchemy occurs as materials are purposefully combined and altered to create the desired ‘gold’.
Mentally, meaningful work is created through the mental processes of an artist. In this, an artist gathers influences, as well as information. They ponder their interests, and make connections between old and new ideas. This is where the intellect of the artist is engaged. By combining and refining a mixture of key ideas, an artist is able to work intelligently towards a piece. This creates a purpose for the work, making it significant.
While the separate processes of physical and mental art making each display their own alchemical development towards the finished piece, it could be suggested that the alchemy found in art making is ultimately the unity of these two aspects. That is, only by combining the material with the intellect with a certain degree of balance will a successful art work be created. The artwork then becomes both the alchemical vessel as well as the product of ‘gold’.
NOTE: This was written when I was terribly sleepy, so forgive the shabby first draft. Editing will be made when the time permits it. (So check back!)
2 comments:
consider using 'intellectual' rather than 'mental'. What about emotional aspects of a work?
ms h
I learnt a lot from this!
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