The process

Today I got to take a look at Cranbrook Academy of Art's 4th semester reviews, the departments participating were Sculpture and Metalsmithing. Having graduated from the Sculpture department six years ago, seeing the work of potential graduates is really special to me ... bittersweet, inspiring ... the emotions run really high since I always wonder what I should have done differently, how I could have spent my time there more wisely (well, besides the plainly obvious of being less obsessive, combative and all around neurotic.)

As per usual, there were a few adulterated taxidermy forms, some aloof pilings of similarly colored stuff that made me feel like I wasn't smart enough to "get it" (note: this kind of work kills kittens, just like math) but as a department, I found the work to be much more personal, emotional, visceral and honest than perhaps when I was in attendance.

One student's work really stood out - the work of Matthew Kellen - photo based installations with an extreme degree of both craft and poetry. His work is 100% centered on his relationship with his girlfriend and images of her - seeing that represented visually wasn't trite at all (as it sounds it could be), rather it was sincere, funny, sad, heart wrenching and beautiful all at the same time.

I jotted down one excerpt that accompanied a series of photos:

The Process

Take drugs,
Get Naked,
Shoot Pictures,
Make Love.

Finally some art I can identify with! No artspeak. No artschool bingo. No bullshit. And that is the best artistic process ever.