ABSTRACT OR EXTRACT

There is so much about abstract art on the internet that I wouldn’t know where to start to try and understand the term. I looked here wikipedia.org/wiki/Abstract_art but got confused which is easily done. Definitions mention lack of physical presence and lack of colour. I thought I made abstract glass art using clear, colourless glass but now I am not sure what I am doing. Maybe that’s the secret is to not know how or why one creates and that then becomes truly abstract. Its like if you recognise something I make then it means I have failed if my intention was to confuse viewers as much as myself. If I make a glass blob that resembles a glass blob, then that’s fine. However, if someone looks at my abstract work and asks me what it or they are try desperately to link the shape to something meaningful in their life then I am doomed to failure!

I made a glass shape, quite large and mounted it on a nice wooden base. I titled it “What is it”. Deliberately without a question mark since I wasn’t asking a question. If I did then there is always some clever amateur art critic who rushes in to give the answer. “What is it” is just a title not a question, not even a statement. I have made other abstract art that looks very geometric and deserves a real title. So, one that has been created form glass rod and involves step like shapes is titled, surprise, surprise “Steps”.

Most of my abstract art is planned and I am not really into spontaneous activity with playing around with glass in the flame to see what looks nice. I know some people are keen on just heating up glass rod and seeing where the glass takes them on a spiritual journal. For me that sounds too poncy and demonstrates lack of control with no technical skills. If hot glass finds its way without human intervention, then what is the point of being creative. I dictate to the glass where I want it to go, and I want to be in charge.

I have made many mistakes trying to get the shape of glass I want. Others will mess around and make mistakes but cover them up saying they were deliberately planned. No one can challenge that and its something the creator must live with knowing they failed to not only create as desired but conned a few. Not me though, I know what’s going on. Especially true if there is money involved. Abstract glass art as commissions is quite tricky. When I have been asked to make an abstract sculpture by someone it is usually because they have seen some of my work before and know what to expect. I try to live up to their expectations, but it can be difficult. Especially if I’m halfway through a piece and decide to change direction.

Many years ago, I was abstract editor for a glass magazine. This involved me reading lots of different scientific journals and noting articles in the journals that related to glass. I always that I should be an extract editor but didn’t argue the description of abstract editor as I replaced an existing person with same title. The word “abstract” seems to coney different meanings to many. There is a restaurant local to me called “Abstract” and I imagine all the food is served on the table off the plate in a hazardous manner. Maybe some food will fall on the floor and diners have to get down on all fours to lick it up. Some may even go further and lap it up. Love that! People lapping up abstract stuff!