In Pursuit of the Authentic

This is a public declaration of personal intentions.

The word “art” is vague and therefore confusing or misleading and perhaps pretentious and will not be used here. The sole implication of this refusal is this: I am not trying to make art, I am trying to make, and therefore the end product is simply a result of the earlier endeavor. The label of art is an unclear afterthought which also seems to imply a kind of value judgment. We (or I…who is the we?) will avoid the use of this word. You can do what you like.

There are at least two directions in my work. First, I make drawings, books and other objects or things which directly reflect personal experience. The experience of the individual is on an essential level the experience of humanity. Thus, because I am part of a greater whole (humanity) and wishing to connect to this hive, the words “I am” are no longer a vain thought. Second, I conduct what is referred to as research in order to develop new and interesting curriculums for undergraduate courses. (And I try to convince humans to let me teach these courses.)

I do not separate the things which I produce from living my life. They are the same. Making = living. I believe in making things as though my life depended upon it, and in some ways it does. The things I make are not science, but they are evolution, and they are life.

The relationship between science and the act of making is this: a propensity for observation, the extracting of truth through observation, the fluidity of truth, making clear organization out of chaotic reality, the dissection and interpretation of reality, the documentation of what is observed.

Here is a question: why, when I draw a microscope or an anatomically correct organ, is the question of science posed? And then why, when I use mathematical symbols, does no one ask if I am seeking to give authority to my work by using pseudomathematical language? There is a gap in this trendy logic.

And can a mission pose a question? Or, is a mission the admission of a question?

I will continue to use words that accurately and authentically represent the meaning of what I am trying to say or think or do, regardless of any unfortunate connotations. The words will include and are not limited to: truth, science, honesty, authentic, experience, human, design.

There are two enemies of language, visual or otherwise, and they are insincerity and laziness [which can cause insincerity]. George Orwell said something like this and some things are worth repeating.

I am stubborn/determined/inquisitive/apprehensive/fearful and generally untrusting of that which is presented as authority. I do, however, believe humans to be generally good.

I do not believe in Times New Roman. But I am interested in the widespread use of default systems. I am weary [while being in awe of] of Helvetica. I believe in Univers.

I am weary of manifestos.

I am resistant to labels.

I.