This Isn't Art.

It is with the images of the recent faculty and student shows at EMU seared into my memory that I must purge my opinion before it causes some irreparable damage to my aesthetic sensibilities. Before I begin just let me say that I have an appreciation for the handling of materials and the techniques employed, it is ultimately the subject matter and tone that I am referring to. That being said, let's explore.
I have no formal training in fine arts, but I do have knowledge of art. It's reasons, resources and influences throughout history. Still I cannot seem to find an appreciation for "art" created after, oh say, 1950. Aside from Warhol and a few other innovative talents I think that artists lately are so caught up in their personal interpretations of how much constipation sucks that artists and critics and historians alike are forgetting the age old question. What is art? Certainly there has to be different levels of art, but it seems that recently anything is allowed on museum and gallery walls.
Obviously this question, what is art?, is probably more of a philosophical one, at least that's what I think. But seriously, to go into a modern art gallery is like looking at the refridgerator door of household with kindergarteners. You can guess at what the colorful abstractness is, but without explanation and a solid understanding of the artist it's just blobs of finger paint.
What ever happened to artists using their work to make statements about politics or religion or social issues or love? They may claim to do that today, but most are comments on levels that, without a novel chained to the wall next to it, would barely be perceivable.
My opinion? (And I know everyone wants to know!)Is that art for arts sake is fabulous.But please people, let us develop some more stringent rules and regulations for what should be seen in public. Or, maybe we should have a gallery called "Constipation Sucks:Personal interpretations That You Won't Get,So Don't Even Bother perusing."


The picture of Xander is not art, although some may argue this fact. The camera caught the moment where the water swells, but isn't splashing. I thought that it was a neat moment captured during bathtime. I certainly wouldn't offer it for public display and criticism, it's just for family and friend enjoyment.

Squeeky Clean.

This is the reaction Xander had after attempting to eat a bar of soap. Most parents may have put the camera down to keep the baby from eating the soap in the first place, but I've never been accused of being normal. On the plus side, I don't think Xander will be eating soap again anytime soon.

Beauty and Charm.

Alexander has become quite the charmer. In the produce section at the market the other day he was plainly smitten by a young girl standing near us, and of course when she looked at him he played bashful. Which the girl found adorable, of course. He is in daycare on Thursdays now. He continues to be enthusiastic, save for his bad days. So,now the little boy who didn't seem to be adjusting and was such a handfull has won the hearts of all the ladies at daycare. I have seen them kiss and cuddle him.(I'm thinking I should tell them that relationships built on traumatic experiences don't last.)
Mr. Brody also seems to be developing his editorial and critiquing skills. Recently I was working on a paper, and Xander was exercising his toddler skills which included manipulating his way into my lap and then turning off the power to the computer.(Just when I thought I was free from passive aggressive management. I'm much to blunt for this kind of leadership. I quit.) Luckily, there were only a few paragraphs lost.
Poor kid. He's cursed with beauty and charm.

My Sunshine.

Trudging

Today is one of those days you wake up with a feeling similar to when your dog dies. Except that my dog is just fine and still I can't shake the feeling something is wrong, something is missing.
Ugh.
I'll be trudging through the rest of this day, and possibly the week. I am comforted by the thought that somewhere out there someone has to be having a good day. If that person happens to be reading this, please give me the details so I may live vicariously through you for a bit.

Xander's First Haircut.

It went well..