The Truth

["Clive Murray-White" <clivemw@zzzzzzzzzzzzzzz>]

Hi all, where would we be without Norm's spirit of inquiry?

"Truth to materials" has been covered pretty well by others, but Norman is
right about the use of the word "legitimate" being better than truth but
unfortunately the inventors of this philosophy used "Truth" so we're stuck
with it.

The movement was hugely influential not only in all the visual Arts and
Crafts but also Architecture and Design. I always think that the most
comprehendible definition I've ever come across concerns the use of plastic
to make laundry baskets. As we all know they were previously made by weaving
cane, a process that involves the "legitimate" or truthful use and natural
capabilities of a material.

When the first single piece plastic ones were made they were made to look a
little like the original cane ones, with a mock woven effect, it took quite
some time before people dared to use plastic according to its natural
aesthetics.

I'm not quite sure how Norman jumped from "Truth to materials" to "How to be
original or unique" as it was done so seamlessly.

He got a brilliant reply from Bill to which I'll add my a couple of my
observations. Everybody can try too hard to be original and unique, by this
I mean that they use their analytical powers to try and develop a rational,
reasonable and arguable answer that in theory at least meets all their
requirements, this almost invariably has them ripping their hair out in
disappear as they soon come to the conclusion that everything has been done
before.

The Truth is that everything has not been done before, and even if you
borrow a subject, general form or overall look of something many people have
had a go at thousand of times before, if you are completely honest with
yourself you will increasingly slide your own values, tastes and personal
idiosyncrasies into your version and thereby make something unique and
original.

I find it almost overwhelmingly inspiring to realise that you do not need to
try too hard to be original, because you are original by nature and if you
are true to yourself you will produce original art.

It is equally true that every day is a new day and if you are able to
respond to this you will axiomatically produce something new too.

My advice is "Follow your hunches and just see where they take you"

All the best Clive

Sculptor Clive Murray-White

Web: http://www.cowwarr.com/CliveMurray-White/