pointing machines barry x ball

["George Graham" <georgergraham@zzzzzzzzzzz>]

Clive,
You have clearly stated what was running through my head, but what I
couldn't type out as a coherent thought! Your thoughts on the big picture of
American art goes well beyond my perspective. From a distance you can see
things clearer. From here, its hard to see the forest for the trees.
I've always known that what I do has no place in the upper realms of the art
establishment. I consider myself to be an old fashioned modern art\abstract
stone sculptor. Being self taught and trusting my instincts has led me to
where I'm at now. I've come to accept the fact that doing stone sculpture in
an "old" way eliminates me from serious consideration from all the "judges"
I've come in contact with. It seems to me that minimalists and late
modernism slammed the door shut on stone, a traditional material, being
carved by hand using traditional tools and techniques. I think the drive to
move on to the new and different materials and methods led to a major
rejection of the process of stone carving by the teachers of art in the 60's
and 70's. It was old fashioned, the kiss of death.
I didn't know or care about the art establishment when I discovered stone.
But over the years the bias has become obvious,even to me. Now I see Ball's
process being celebrated more then the piece itself. You hit the nail on the
head by stating that if his piece was done in the tried and true way , very
little attention would come his way. I'm not upset or hostile to Ball's
work, but I'm galled by the reaction of gallery\critiques who are fascinated
by the use of computers , software, and cnc machines. Ball's work just
doesn't personally appeal to me. Knowing how it was done just makes it
little less appealing.
I'll get over my grump at the establishment, and will not , and cannot
change how I go about expressing my self. I didn't get into stone sculpture
because I needed approval. But sometimes the twists and turns of the art
world\traveling circus are a little ,,,,galling. Your observations on art in
America really hit the mark!
Thanks,
George Graham
http://www.grahamsculpturestudio.com