An Art Quest ...
'But what would the life of a fine artist look like in modern day society?', was a recurring question for me when I was in art school studying the great masters, their art, lives and times. I could imagine living in a Parisian Garret or Painting haystacks at dawn as I was actually painting Philippi Creek or Ca d' Zan. I was not even sure what the definition of a fine artist was during my first year of study. In 1980, at Ringling School of Art & Design, Fine Arts study was separated from commercials arts as it still is. Commercial art was my initial choice because I knew I had to make a living. The Graphic or Illustration department was employment oriented. I began with Graphics mainly because I wanted to study lettering which was not offered to Fine Arts. I am very very glad studied lettering. After graduation in the t-shirt business and in the theater, hand lettering skills have served me. After one year of training in commercial art I changed my mind completely about where my art career was headed. I discovered a knack for sculpture during first year basic studies. My graphics classmates generally detested "Modeling the Figure in Clay", while I worked effortlessly. At the end of class I collected a lot of discarded clay because my fellow students believed they would never touch clay again. So I followed my talent guide into the messy world of paint, clay and stone. I had a 3.90 average with scholarship awards so they let me bend the rules a little and let me know that I was breaking the rules.
After a second year studying drawing, painting, sculpture and printmaking the curriculum requirements forced us to pick one of these as a specific focus for the third year. I remember thinking I had already settled on Fine Art why did I have to refine my choice further? To give up oil painting hurt. But I needed to know more about sculpture. I wanted to study with Ethelia Patmagrian. Unfortunately I did not understand the importance if Ringling's 4th year of study the year you essentially became an apprentice making contacts and developing a career path perhaps getting an MFA. I was worried about the debt I had to repay. Thinking of my 8 year old daughter, Culynn, who had already lived through so many sacrifices. With a Bachelor of Philosophy degree from Thomas Jefferson College, I decided to make what I had already done work. No more time for indulging in more school.
Ditched one career path, acting, to become an artist because my gift had always been in working with my hands. Overcoming terrible shyness at the start of my life, to become an actor, I had really had to work at learning to act which on the plus side gave me the needed discipline and the confidence to be able to show people my artwork. Both occupations were required for me to mature. I am now a fine artist working in the theater. My 'garret' is manifest as a 1950's cement block ranch house with studio space. The local theatrical community always seems to need something or another from me they have been my benefactors. In 2011 I joined the stage hands union which has helped me secure various jobs at the Asolo Theatre.
Computers. Computers!??! No one could possibly imagine when we were training for art careers at Ringling that everything was about to turn inside out and upside down. I have picked up the skills I needed along the way, like everyone else my age has had to do. I can draw on my computer with an electronic tablet. I have not tried to limit the artistic inspirations as they emerge clay, stone, canvas, computer. Cause and effect are so tangled together at this point I can't tell where the start of the knot is. As I age, I worry less and less about being "successful" or finding my proper label. Survival is sweet enough. Especially now as i near what is retirement for many people. I am still emerging.
Fine art is not painting or sculpture, it is what comes through you from you that doesn't come through anyone else.
Karle Howlett Murdock - 2012
