PNWS Beyond Politics

Feeling heavy with news of the world, I called on my friend and fellow PNWS leader, Russell Ford, currently serving as Vice President. I liked what he was saying so much that I asked him to write a couple paragraphs here…

“No matter which side of the political fence you may find yourself on, we are not likely to see an end to chaotic times anytime in the near future. In terms of human history, this is not unusual. Change rarely happens without upheaval as the building blocks of our institutions are tested. It is inevitable that some will crumble and fall. I have observed that it is in this period of collapse, when feelings of uncertainty and anxiety predominate in the culture, that the artist’s voices take center stage and are listened to.
The first time my young eyes looked upon Picasso‘s “Guernica”, I recall being stunned by the scope and horrific spectacle of it. I had no idea what it was about, only that it was an intense, emotional statement of some sort. Learning about the story behind the painting brought me to a new reverence for the role that artists bring to a society when the profound needs a shared form of definition. I believe we are in one of those moments in our history when it falls to the arts is to bring forth work that expresses our collective feelings and share these visions with the public. It is not a time to hide our light under a bushel.”

Russell Ford

It’s become a time to be bold. As though reality hangs in the balance. Meaning can be bent, information ignored, and beauty can be lost. As a clay artist. I get to build things up and sometimes watch as they can crumble. This is a dance, and I strive to be a good dance partner. Art can be play, exploration, or a public statement. Art can be honoring cultural tradition, a pursuit of beauty, a celebration of being alive. Art can be any of these things or something else entirely, something we cannot conceive of yet. All of these things matter and motivate art. But I’m also realistic, knowing this essay itself may or may not make a difference to anyone else. I can recognize this with a sense of calm: there may be no known reason for doing this. No celebration. No play. No honor. No beauty. And yet I continue the act of creation. The practice will continue.

Recently, I wrote an essay for this newsletter titled, PNWS and Politics, re-emphasizing the inclusive nature of our group. Whether you call yourself a sculptor or want to help raise consciousness about sculpture, you are welcome. We strive to educate each other and the public, sharing with the easy generosity of a peer group, thriving on mutual respect. Our openness extends to political diversity. Building a community around culture transcends political issues, and we aim to be an apolitical organization, up to a point. It is that radical inclusivity itself that draws a line about how much we will tolerate. We are so tolerant of others that the only thing we won’t tolerate is intolerance itself. It’s worth repeating this paradox again because of the recent presidential election result, and hereby letting the PNWS Membership know: PNWS will not judge anyone by whether they voted Republican our Democrat. Your reasons for that choice are your own. All who want to join PNWS are welcome. And it must be said, systems of oppression or cruelty are the enemy of humanity, art and culture.

 

Unfired clay in process 15x9x13″ A.Kennedy