Why choose ‘slow’ to describe art? Isn’t ‘slow’ a negative word? Doesn’t ‘slow’ really mean stupid, dull or boring? After all, who wants a slow computer or internet connection, slow service when in need of repairs or food, a slow car, or be considered slow on the uptake? Why not look for a synonym or find another descriptor entirely?
I’d like to think that words have meaning in context. The context here is art. And who wants a piece of art that is dashed off, derivative, made in a hurry, or thoughtless?
Dall Sheep Duality, 2004 by Shane Wilson (dall sheep horns and skull - 42x58x23 cm - private collection)
Often, one of the first questions an artist gets asked about their work is “How long did that take to make?” The usual answer, for pieces done quickly, is “All my life.” Slow art, on the other hand, is done slowly, it takes time, so there is always a less coy, more concrete response to the question.
We recognize inherently the value of slow art, because we value our own lives and the limited time we have on this earth. We are constantly asking the question: what is worth doing, how should we spend our time?
When an artist choses to invest days, months or years of their life into a particular painting or sculpture or work of art, they offer their answer to this question. Their art takes on a palpable depth and meaning, elevated from idea or gesture, it pulsates with Life itself.
And we know it.
Well said Shane,
And that is so true…..usually the first question people ask me about my carving’s is…How long did that take you? I would prefer a simple-that’s nice, or, Wow! or, Cool, anything but how long, I don’t think I ever answer the exact amount of time it took, because actually, i’m not sure. I don’t really keep track, I just enjoy what I’m doing so much I keep carving until i am satisfied:)
It might be a useful excercize to jot down your hours each time you work on a project. Just to get a sense. You may find that your hours decrease as you improve or not, but it is good to know when it comes to valuing your work for sale – quite apart from the discussion here about the value of ‘slow’.
The truest idea of the most true!:) When art is restricted by time limits it becomes a business…however, when it is a certain time-limited order for two or three works, you can practicse your carving skills in doing this or that, line work etc…but it doesn’t give that satisfaction. For me when no idea of time limit is imposed on my mind and no one reminds of “you must finish it by this date” the work seems to be created easier and more quickly.
Well, slow art is a subject for long discussions as there are so many nuances with every particular creator.
Thank you for your comment Dmitry!