How to avoid having your Creative License revoked.
In the EDM group, a member recently posted the following:
" ... I recently read, I forgot where, that gimmicky [drawing] methods, e.g. left hand work, blind contours, upside down, etc, is a not legitimate way to produce a finished, repeat finished, work. Meaning, I can understand
It is a great practice skill sharpener. And yet I would probably be willing to agree that unusual limiting techniques are a bit gimmicky for finished art. But yet, some of the great pieces of history appear exactly as though one were altering his or her usual perceptions and ability. So how do you do produce unusual art? Without gimmicks?"
--Michael, Boston, MA
To which I responded:
Dear Michael:
I believe that you are referring to the Artists and Illustrators Code that was recently revised in the MCLXII International Convocation of the Art and Creativity Authority (CACA) held in The Hague last November.
In Section 73B, article 14, it clearly states:
"...gimmicky methods, e.g. left hand work, blind contours, upside down, etc, is a not legitimate way to produce a finished, repeat finished, work..."
It goes on to stipulate:
"All drawings must be made in spiral bound books clearly labeled on the cover as "Drawing paper". They may be made only with a lead pencil, not to exceed 3H, and erasures must be neatly and completely done."
"Any person or persons working with art materials must work only with in the domains of their licensed class:
To wit:
Doodlers: may only draw with ballpoint pen on lined paper intended for class or meeting notes.
Incompetents: may not draw anything ever.
Sunday painter: may only work within the confines of authorized painting and drawing classes in a local junior college, community center or otherwise sanctioned facility and overseen by a bad-tempered and inattentive disillusioned Class 3 watercolorist.
Art School Graduate: Must have completed certificate and must then have spent a minimum of five years working in an art-unrelated field: video store, coffee shop, falafel stand, ad agency. Many not produce any art of any consequence ever again.
Genius: Must be represented by a major gallery, have been on the cover of Art Forum at least twice, and been interviewed by Morley Safer at least once. Must acknowledge and yet in some cute and non-threatening way challenge the current Art establishment. All works must sell for a minimum of five figures.
All works not adhering to these regulations may not be sold, framed or enjoyed in any way under penalty of law."
I assume that all members of this group are aware of and operating within these international authorized rules. Failure to do so will mean immediate and humiliating expulsion from the community and confiscation of all art supplies.
Thanks for your continuing cooperation. These rules are made for the enjoyment of all.
Your favorite art authority,
Danny
A record of my exploration into all aspects of drawing, illustrated journaling, creativity, and the inspiring aspects of art. By the author of "Everyday Matters," "The Creative License", and "An Illustrated Life" and other books.
Comments
Oh, dear! I am expecting a knock on the door any moment and finding the art police on my door step. I have broken all of these laws AND I DON'T CARE!!!!! Catch me if you can! I'm having fun!
Does this mean I will be banned from the group?
Posted by: Robyn Smith | March 8, 2007 02:48 PM
any article that contains the word "doodler" is an article for me. dana
Posted by: dana jenkins | March 8, 2007 02:59 PM
CACA? Really...How appropriate.
You can't make these things up.
CACA indeed.
Posted by: Bo | March 8, 2007 03:01 PM
Danny Pal, your point is well made, my friend, well made.
Posted by: Shelley Noble | March 8, 2007 03:04 PM
Hh ho! Nearly CaCa'd my knickers when I read this. Lovely! - thanks so much!
Jules
Posted by: jules | March 8, 2007 03:19 PM
Caca, indeed!
Posted by: Nita | March 8, 2007 03:58 PM
Oh, my - I am still wiping tears from my eyes... laughter surely doest pick up a routine Thursday afternoon!
I would argue, henceforth to wit that "All drawings must be made in spiral bound books clearly labeled on the cover as "Drawing paper". They may be made only with a lead pencil, not to exceed 3H, and erasures must be neatly and completely done." is a gimmick in itself, somehow. Forthwith.
Didn't realize there were drawing laws punishable by law... indeed, that there exists an Art and Creativity Authority boggles my mind, clearly.
Love and Peace
Posted by: Stephanie | March 8, 2007 04:11 PM
You just made that up, didn't you!
Posted by: Stephanie | March 8, 2007 04:15 PM
Now you tell me.
Well just try and carry out all these art supplies.
Posted by: wendy | March 8, 2007 07:09 PM
Hey, that looks like Oregon's legislative chambers. Could any place else have tree patterned carpets?
Posted by: Vicky | March 8, 2007 08:57 PM
"These rules were made for the enjoyment of all," indeed! Laugh-out-loud funny - and then they had to be read aloud (with commentary) to anyone within earshot. Thank you.
Posted by: Elizabeth | March 8, 2007 08:59 PM
Funny - and some of it sadly too true, with or without CACA overseeing things. But poor Michael. Just make art. Make art every way you can. Let somebody else worry about your greatness.
Posted by: Kitsune | March 8, 2007 10:20 PM
Lovely - my first cac(a)kle of the day. Thank you!
Posted by: Nancy | March 9, 2007 12:12 AM
Hysterical. But of course, you're preaching to the choir here.
Posted by: Wendee | March 9, 2007 10:04 AM
You're amazingly creative and funny too. So much great talent in one human being! And for the record ... I think CACA is poo-poo!
Posted by: Sharon | March 9, 2007 01:56 PM
Ha! I like Wendy's comment...carry out the art supplies indeed.
Wait, what if I have to move?
Posted by: Dusty | March 9, 2007 05:14 PM
Reminds me of my art grad school days-- I had a riff about "The oil painters feel superior to the watercolorists, who feel superior to the printmakers, who feel superior to the ceramicists and jewelry people (that's craft, not art!)-- and everyone feels superior to the graphic designers (those capitalists!). Oh my...
Posted by: Desmene | March 9, 2007 05:30 PM
In french, CACA means shit....
Posted by: jalexis | March 9, 2007 05:38 PM
Brilliant!
Posted by: Phillip Marzella | March 11, 2007 12:55 AM
Oh, Danny . . .
I am not worthy to carry your Moleskines.
How I love to hear you riffing on the "It's what you do, not how you do it theme."
THERE ARE NO ART POLICE. (Thank you for the reminder. I may actually get my behind into the studio and just. Do. It.)
Spike
Posted by: Spike | March 11, 2007 08:23 PM
Art is... projecting yourself into a creation, and being willing to accept what ever comes back...
I sympathize with Michael because I admire his desire to comprehend something as nameless as art. Perhaps, though, it's only because of my own desire to find something..although im not sure what that something is...
(that parody,by the way.... very funny) =D
Posted by: OLIVIA | March 17, 2007 09:16 AM