Monday, February 25, 2013

When "Untitled" is Appropriate

Untitled- Mixed Media on Gallery Canvas 3'x4'


When I first set out to paint a sizable expressionist abstract piece, I had planned to work instinctively. Most artists know that there should be a modicum of a vision. Otherwise a primate could paint (yes, I know they do). As I choose my palette, I did make some hard decisions. It should have some depth. It should have some lights, some very lights. And then, it should be textured because that's who I am. Textured. Yes, rough parts, soft parts, the dark side, and the exquisite bright. My life in paint mirrors reality. 

Off I go, brushes in hand, fabric, water, paint, an apple beside me, because I think I will eat something at some point. But I never do. Hours go by, I am so covered in medium to make the papers and the fabric adhere to the canvas. My back is hurting as usual. But I never stop to breathe.  And once done, I stand back and glow with pride because I covered a large canvas and it is awesome. For me, anyway. When I show it to my daughter's boyfriend, he asks, "what inspired you?". And the question makes me laugh. (Artists will get this).


So the only question left is the name of the piece. I realize that only the viewer can make that decision. I have made too many decisions creating it. Now it is your call. I call it "Untitled". 

Wednesday, June 27, 2012

hannahreimartistca: IT IS ART. AND IT POURS TEA BEAUTIFULLY

hannahreimartistca: IT IS ART. AND IT POURS TEA BEAUTIFULLY: Porcelain Tea Set- 4 Pieces. $500 Can. One of my forays into painting came from the inability to explain why craft can be art. Functiona...

Saturday, June 23, 2012

hannahreimartistca: IT IS ART. AND IT POURS TEA BEAUTIFULLY

hannahreimartistca: IT IS ART. AND IT POURS TEA BEAUTIFULLY: Porcelain Tea Set- 4 Pieces. $500 Can. One of my forays into painting came from the inability to explain why craft can be art. Functiona...

Friday, June 22, 2012

hannahreimartistca: IT IS ART. AND IT POURS TEA BEAUTIFULLY

hannahreimartistca: IT IS ART. AND IT POURS TEA BEAUTIFULLY: Porcelain Tea Set- 4 Pieces. $500 Can. One of my forays into painting came from the inability to explain why craft can be art. Functiona...

IT IS ART. AND IT POURS TEA BEAUTIFULLY

Porcelain Tea Set- 4 Pieces. $500 Can.
One of my forays into painting came from the inability to explain why craft can be art. Functional craft is rarely considered in the same elevated stratus as other forms of art.
 Correct.
 It takes some real talent and understanding of form and function, chemistry,technique, style, firing and on and on to create this tea set. It is an accomplishment of a number of skill sets as well as creativity and originality. And yet, it is just a tea set after all. How can it be art?

I  no longer care to argue the case of craft versus art. All I can do is make beautiful objects which are permanent, one-of -a-kind, and artful. The obvious resolution is integral to my art and my craft. If I say so, it is. ART.
High Fire Porcelain Tea Set by Hannah Reim
And it pours beautifully.

Thursday, January 12, 2012

hannahreimartistca: Observations from a Participant

hannahreimartistca: Observations from a Participant: OBSERVATIONS I have always thought of myself as a participant in life. Never one to take to the sidelines, I declared myself to be in the m...