It’s not often art makes a splash beyond the art world. I think of reading about Cristos as a kid, when he and his art partner Jeanne-Claude surrounded Florida islands in pink fabric. Wow! What audacity!
In recent times, art has broken into headlines regarding the politics of monumental, historic sculptures. There are also various gold-plated versions of a certain person, raising buzz.
But right here in the Pacific Northwest, in 2020, an unauthorized sculpture suddenly put Portland, OR in the news. You can read more about that in Russ Ford’s original article about Todd McGrain’s sculpture of York.
Now, with energy from Russ Ford, PNWS board member and Clark County Arts Commissioner, and others, history and art will intertwine in a “Celebration of York” in February, 2027. See the latest details here.
I mention all of this as a reminder and encouragement to artists that we have a meaningful place in this world. Our work and how we present it can prompt questions, trigger deep emotions, and stir people to action.
I would ask you to think deeply about your work. What is in your heart that needs to be expressed? Are you being audacious? Are you doing work that somehow scares you? That’s out of your comfort zone? If not, I encourage you to consider it. We are living in special times. The world needs artists to be brave.
May your art flow,
Leslie Crist