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The Shoulders of Giants: An Introduction by Dana H. Gabel "Here I sit, as so many times before, staring at this virtual piece of paper on the screen; my mind as blank as this artificial page. I've begun several versions of this article already, only to delete them. Why is this such a struggle? Everything I attempt to develop unfortunately crashed head on with a massive wall of 100%pure writer's block. It's a nasty mess to clean up.
Now I can't think of anything new...
what am I going to do?
Time for another snack..."
This happens most of the time when I sit in front of the computer to write an article. I feel pressure, fear and intimidation; perhaps I won't be able to accomplish the task before me. Many times I'll procrastinate, thinking that miraculously with time it will somehow get easier to devise an interesting concept.
Despite the fact several individuals have told me I communicate well, I feel mute at the initial development phase of a written piece. The fear subsides once I just force myself to take the plunge.
What will be accomplished without risk?
Only by taking action will I gain understanding.
"We gain strength, and courage, and confidence by each experience in which we really stop to look fear in the face…we must do that which we think we cannot."
The intimidation I have felt with writing is similar to the feeling novice viewer's experience when in the presence of a "difficult" or "complicated" artwork. It is an uncomfortable situation because it leaves one to rely upon one's self for the construction of meaning in that awkward moment.
So often we are conditioned to look elsewhere for quick answers instead of patiently discovering the answers within ourselves. Both the artist and viewer experience these emotions in relation to art somewhere along the line.
"The human mind cannot create anything. It produces nothing until after having been fertilized by experience and meditation; its acquisitions are the gems of its production."
For the artist, the initial burden is inspiration, then the careful development and presentation of a concept. For the viewer, the burden is often great, too. Forming a connection to an artwork… despite taste, despite preconception, despite self, can be a difficult and intimidating process.
The pivot of all art is idea. It is the point upon which the entire art experience, for artists and their audience, depends. The idea affects art's influence, it's success, it's historical relevance and value…for good or ill.
In the upcoming series of articles entitled, "The Shoulders of Giants," I'll share my viewpoints in regards to this topic of idea, along with related concepts of originality and creative thinking. These topics will be illustrated with references to historical and contemporary artworks.
In the next issue of Zoomers, Part I of the series will begin with a discussion regarding contemporary artists Yasumasa Morimura from Japan and Cindy Sherman from the United States.
For a taste of what is to come, check out their work at these locations:
http://www.assemblylanguage.com/images/Morimura1.html
http://masters-of-photography.com/S/sherman/sherman_96_full.html
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