Number24 The illusion of genius

I am truly amazed that some people have said that I am a genius, not because of my intellect but because of my artistic eye.

I find it difficult to understand why everyone can't sculpt a portrait of someone in soft clay. You merely must just add and subtract bits of clay until you've created their image. It's just that simple.

Drawing and painting is about the same to me as sculpting. You just add more drawing material or painting material until you are satisfied and then let it alone.

I'm not saying art doesn't take practice, and learning the materials because it does. The more you practice and learn the materials the better you get. Your desire, your curiosity and passion to be an artist are for most part the variables that make the difference between you and another want-a-be artist.

I am better at sculpting the human form than drawing or painting the human form, but I think that the reason is that sculpting is more interesting to me. I truly believe that if I drew or painted more often I would get better.

The content in your art is driven by other human conditions, the worldly things or metaphysical concepts that dominate your thought processes.

When you are fascinated by flowers and landscapes you will likely be good at producing these kinds of art. If the human figure is your fascination you will likely excel in figurative art, and if
pain and suffering, or pleasure or joy is your focus then your art will express these phenomenon.

All kinds of art are important to this human experience that we all must encounter. This is why I am a firm believer and advocate for freedom of expression.

The main component that I hope you will adopt from my thoughts is a strong tolerance and support for the freedom of expression for everyone.

Freedom is as essential to a healthy person as food and love.

I saw on television years ago a young black man that was supposed to have been autistic. His mother was on this talk show with the host for about a half hour talking while the young black man worked with about a 6" ball of modeling clay. By the end of the half hour program the young man had sculpted a magnificent bucking bull.

The mother, throughout the show had discussed with the host that her son had never had any art lessons. The young man just had what was described as a natural talent.

I was about the age of 13 years old when I tried my first figurative sculpture. I was out in my uncles rice field. I was supposed to be working the levy's but as I often did I re-focused my mind to my artistic interest. I dug up a good amount of what we called 'black gumbo mud' and started sculpting a nude female figure. This first figure that I sculpted at about 13 years old was better than many of the sculptures of Matisse and Rodin.

I know that many of those that read this may think that I am lying but if you will take the time to look at a vast amount of their works you will conclude that my claim is not hard to believe.

The real point that I am trying to make here is that I do not believe that talent is all about being a genius. It could probably be more accurately explained by ones desire and patients to accomplish his goals.

My intellectual capacities have never risen to a level of genius so I truly doubt that I am anywhere near genius. I must admit that when someone tells me that I am one of those honored few it makes me smile. I think that it would be nice to be a genius, but only a genius can elaborate on that.

Finton