Chairs

Student:  If you could draw a chair better than anyone else, would it matter?

Professor:  If it was a special chair, perhaps.  Or, if chair drawings were rare and other attempts were feeble, perhaps.  Of course, others would have to see it first.  Just like the tree in the forest - falling with only its sister trees to hear, beauty is in the eye, or ear, of the beholder.

S:  Would the “specialness” be a function of the act of drawing, the final product, or both?

P:  I can anticipate that the process of creating the chair, assuming the product is exceptional, could be as interesting to observe as the final product.  If there was something special about the process – say that it was done with one’s eyes closed or completely from memory, it would be even more special.  Take the case of the memory artist who draws complete cityscapes.  The drawing itself is nice, but not so exceptional until you realize that it was done from memory and is highly accurate and detailed.

S:  So the process itself is really special?

P:  No, in this case, it’s the person (or the mind of the person) that is more special.  So what is so special about this chair?

S:  It’s an archetypal chair.

P:  So?

S:  It’s huge.

P:  And?

S:  It was drawn by a two-year-old chimpanzee with its eyes closed while eating a banana.

P:  Oh, well then that’s pretty special.  Yes, I see the banana smudge now.  What about that chair drawing over there?

S:  Oh, that little one is the only one of its kind.

P:  Why, can’t someone else do one like it?

S:  That’s hard to imagine.  It’s drawn with individual carbon atoms using an electron microscope.

P:  Why?

S:  Just to see if it could be done.

P:  The person is clearly more of a scientist than an artist.

S:  And the chimp?

P:  Clearly not a scientist, but never mind the chimp.  What about that colorful one?  It looks inviting and cozy.  I can imagine re-reading my favorite book in that chair.

S:  I like that too – there’s a film documentary about how the artist has cranked out hundreds of them with a silk screener, all different colors, but basically the same image.

P:  Hmmm, well – I guess I don’t really care how it was drawn ‘cause I just like the image.

S:  Should we care about how the chair was drawn or how the final image looks?

P:  Both can be of interest to the viewer – it depends on their perspective.  One may be more interested in learning how the creative process unfolded.  Another may be more interested in experiencing the end product.  Maybe your chair is a metaphor.  Maybe there’s more to your question than meets the seat of your pants.

S:  Like what?  Like hidden meaning or some cult thing?

P:  No, like some symbolism or a general truism that can apply to other situations.

S:  Other chairs?

P:  Sure - other chairs and anything else you can create:  a story, a painting, a flower arrangement.

S:  Does it have to be a creation?

P:  Yes, let’s say it’s a creation of some sort.  Someone’s creation is only of interest to someone else if there is some meaning, some value, some significance, some hook.  The first chair was ok, but when we learned that a chimp had done the second, it took on special significance.  Sometimes the meaning or connection is achieved by the work itself – it reaches out and touches people.  The picture speaks to you.  The sonata moves you.   Otherwise, it only holds significance if you’re particularly interested in the subject, e.g., chairs, or perhaps you have a connection with the creator:  my great grandfather made that chair or my four year old daughter made this one out if bubblegum.

Other times, we may have the opportunity to march along with the creative process and observe the thought process, the technique, the skill and appreciate how the artist crafts the chair, the vase, or the flower arrangement.  Such observation enhances our appreciation of what went into creating the object.

S:  I’m with you.  And?

P:  So it’s hard to predict what will resonate with people – what will reach out and touch them.  What may seem absurd to one could be sublime to another.  I think the point is to put your chair pictures out there if that’s what you feel strongly about.  If you do something with passion, that energy will be felt – at least by someone.  And if you don’t you’ll never know if you might have had something to share that others would value.

S:  I know what you mean.  There was a video of a girl singing a dopey song about the weekend that went viral on the internet.

P:  I know the one.  People really connected with that and it became popular.  I’m sure many thought it was silly, but I’m afraid that “Friday Friday” refrain got lodged in my head somehow.  It did make me laugh.

S:  I see what you mean.  Take a chance – put yourself out there and see what sticks.  What’s there to lose?

P:  Absolutely, in an age of information technology, we may as well be sharing as many ideas as we can.  Someone has to come up with some good ones!

S:  I think I’ll go draw a chair.