'Gold mini canvas' #7 4x4" © 2010 Shayla Perreault NewcombCertain subjects are "deeply rooted in the human psyche" (Burnette, in the book Colville p.64). Canadian artist, Alex Colville said about this:
"What I have in mind is the use of material so old, so often used down through the ages, that it has become an integral part of human consiousness... an infinite reverberation of the past."
(quote from "My Experience as a Painter and Some General Views of Art." 1951 talk in Dow pp 203-208)
Here's a question I've been thinking about: How can you tell the difference between personal symbolism and universal symbolism? Do you have any thoughts on that?
11 comments:
I wonder if any individual personal symbolism we may feel could ever be uniquely ours, but is actually - as Colville says - deeply rooted throughout the ages.
I think the moment of revelation comes when you uncover something you know to be true inside in the work or words of another. It's like an affirmation.
I love your new minis, Shayla.
I'm drawn to your Gold mini, Shayla. Many of one's personal symbols are surprisingly or not surprisingly universal. There've been times when I've stumbled across an artists statement about the symbolism in her work and been quite put out since I thought it was "mine".
I think that perhap universal symbolism can explain in general terms what individuals on a personal level make their own unique view. Does that make any sense?
Love number 7 by the way!
: )
Hmm..personal and universal, I thought about it for the longest time...I know my answer to it..but somehow, I dont know how to express it here. Will let you know one day..happy weekend Shayla..hugs/M
Oooo..this is very difficult! I've never thought about I may have personal symbols. I must have been thinking that symbols have to be universal. But yes, I have personal stuff as well. (And now, I can think about them as my personal symbols!) Thank you, Shayla for another interesting thought, and have a great weekend!
You guys have such wonderful expressions and have given me much to think about- I'm so glad I asked.
Deborah, I wonder that too, and isn't that affirmation intoxicating? It's one of my favorite things about all forms of art.
Robyn, I think I know what you mean. I get that feeling when I hear of someone else called "Shayla". I'm used to it belonging to me and my identity, and I like it that way.
Jane, good points. The universal symbols are more general, and there's a personal level that is more unique. I like that.
M.Kate, I think you have an artistic soul. The reason many visual artists begin to create is because they can't express it otherwise.
interesting subject and enjoyed the comments left.. there are so many ways to look at these subjects..
materials can be SOOOO old, yes, and symbols/symbolism even older.
nothing new.
we're all connected by these little particles we're made of, with all that was and is, I HAVE HEARD TELL!!, and so i feel that if there's a difference in symbolism, the personal that comes from some spontaneous root in us is STILL universal/shared/known to us or not on a conscious level.
OR, i've had too much coffee!! x0
There are many symbols that are shared by cultures through the ages, but each symbol maybe have various meanings for different people.
Hence, one artwork elicits a variety of interpretations by different observers.
I've noticed that some of my imagery is disturbing to others, but comforting to me. Your three dots prolly evoke a variety of responses in viewers.
Great query, Shayla.
And no, I don't think I know anyone else by that name, so you're my Shayla. :-)
Mika, sorry I missed you. I must have had my comment box open at the same time as you. It is a tough one, isn't it? I'm still not clear, but am thinking over all these ideas.
Gwen, so good to see you again, and I agree. I don't think it's a black and white area.
Neva, I am leaning in the same direction as you. It's true people are individuals, respecting that I feel there are elements we all have in common.
DJ- Well put. There is variety in interpretation, and in life experiences. Btw,*grin* I'm glad to know I'm your Shayla.
My overall goal is to do work that is personal to me but also will make a universal connection
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