Greg Busceme, Sr.
Executive Director
of The Art Studio, Inc.
Art’s true path— Arthur Schopenhauer, 19th century philosopher, in his treatise on existence postulated a remarkable idea about art.
Simply put – our goal in existence is to minimize pain. That done, we are confronted by a state of Boredom. To alleviate boredom, we distract ourselves with trappings and diversions that do not give us true happiness. He states several solutions to achieving happiness, the most important of them being that art is the only true path to happiness. Yes! Enjoying the creative work of others or the attempt to actually create art yourself establishes a state of mind much like we experience with meditation. Robert Henri stated in his book “The Art Spirit” that “Art is a byproduct of a state of mind,” the work we do reflects our mind at the time of creation. That state of mind is a unique event to every artist. We all experience the great satisfaction on completing or experiencing a work of art. During the creative process, time stops, the world stands still, and art is made. This experience happens on all levels of ability from the beginner to the veteran artists. One of the most valuable gifts we receive from the act of art making: the ability to lose oneself in a heightened state of awareness that heals our body and mind and reenergizes our spirit. Creative acts that come from our mind through our hands, bodies, or voices are among the most human things we can do. Art is also at the very core of our ability to learn. Creativity is a key component to education. Dance, music, and visual arts, integrated into an educational system, are paramount to the ability of more children to learn and learn better.
Leedy update
We packed the pieces in cardboard barrels and secured them in the back of my truck and early Sunday morning Bryan Castino and I headed for Kansas City, Mo. We finally met with Jim Leddy’s daughter, Stephanie, at the gallery and dropped off the sculptures.
She gave us a tour through his studio, and I was awed by the experience. Photos and paintings covered the walls of images of Pete Voulkos, his partner in the gallery, and other friends. I saw an old friend hanging from the ceiling in Jim’s studio – a lovely piece by Charles Stagg, a work Jim and Molly purchased while in Beaumont in 2002 Gumbo Clay Fest. I could feel an overwhelming sense of awe. Being in his inner sanctum. Going to their house Bryan and I spent a moving, delightful evening talking with Jim and Molly, gracious hosts. We left early the next day wishing we could stay.
We still have work by Leedy to rescue and fire that will benefit the Studio. Three platters, made by Leedy, one to keep and two to auction and an 18’X5’ mural made by the visual art students of Westbrook High at the 02 Clay Fest.
TO ALL SETX CLAY PEOPLE:
I would like to extend an invitation to local potters, clay people and people who play with clay. Our salt kiln has room for lots of ware. Seems a shame to waste that space when it could be occupied with your work in a communal salt firing. This is a group effort. Drop work anytime during office hours. We will start a group to keep everyone up on when we will fire. The work must be Cone 10 stoneware clay, either white bodies or iron bearing. You can use color slips and underglazes for surface variety and the insides of vessels need to be glazed – I have glaze for this if needed. Contact me directly at gregb@artstudio.org for drop off and I will set projected dates when we have enough work. TASI is an artist advocate organization. Any way we can help your art pursuit benefits the entire community of artists.