In and Out of the Box: Thinking Outside The Box

In & Out of The Box  C.T. Rasmuss, pastels (2007).

Many times in our creative lives we hear the expression: "think outside of the box"; but what is to be said to those who actually live outside of this box?

I believe we artists tend to live this expression in our daily lives, which may be why we, or shall I say "art" has chosen us as a career path; this all comes to mind because of the last few years, I've realized that I never have a problem "thinking outside of the box" whenever it's emphasized, whether in my college days or work, etc.

Intersectioning  C.T. Rasmuss, ink (2008)

In all the time that I've encountered this phrase or philosophy throughout my life, I've cherished its implication and have always tried to meet it with the best of enthusiasm.  Naturally, I always exude extreme passion into the tasks that require this approach, and and in all this time I'd never realized, that unlike most people that "live inside the box" I "Live" outside the box!

And by realizing this, I also have come to the conclusion that this can have many draw backs just as living "inside the box" can in the creative world.  Some of these draw backs that I've discovered include: staying "grounded" with the others that live "inside the box"; being able to relate to and understand the contents of "The box"; and the idea of living on the Frey is notoriously dangerous in numerable ways.

Firescape  C.T. Rasmuss,  ink/pastels (2010).

And now onto the artwork- One thing that these three examples of my art have in common, other than the mediums, is not just the boxes or lines they all have in common, but how one negotiates in and out of their space, inside and outside of boxes and the painting. 

I think my art-work here represents how the mind treats ideas & thoughts then shuffles through them, and how each one represents a different approach to the cognitive idea of: Thinking Outside of the Box, and the big question here is "Where and how do you think"??

Quixotic

This Drawing with Ink is based on my favorite book: Don Quixote of La Mancha by Miguel de Cervantes; I title it Quixotic as it is a term associated with the main character in this marvelous 15th century novel, and that I suffer from.  It is the first book that I ever read and which made me laugh out loud many times over.  Throughout my life I have been able to associate with this story over and over, as I have been misunderstood by my numerous attempted heroics; as well as misinterpreting countless situations and exaggerated dangers that I must conquer.

The Artist as a Historian

King Ashurnasirpal II   C.T. Rasmuss, gouache (2010)


King Ashurnasirpal II (870AD; Northern Mesopotamia)

I painted this artwork from a sketch I rendered after a stone relief of King Ashurnasirpal II at the Cincinnati Art Museum.  After some later research in returning from the museum, I found out that he was the king of Assyria and "he is perhaps best known for the brutal frankness with which he described the atrocities committed on his captives...The details of his reign are known almost entirely from his own inscriptions and the splendid reliefs in the ruins of his palace at Calah (now Nimrūd, Iraq)." Encyclopedia Britannica.

I had no idea what type of ruler he was or anything about this ancient ruler, I was just curious of how to translate such an ancient art form to a more modern medium; to understand some real history by viewing it through modern eyes.  No matter his faults or strengths as a ruler, it's even easier for me to see now that he was considered an idol and a type of god to his people; thanks to my talents as an artist that I was blessed with to bring the past into better focus.  It's just another trait the artist possesses in which I've realized that we have through our ability to create and re-create, because of this exercise.

Follow the link below for some more information on this type of ancient art-form, slabs large stone carved in relief.

www.metmuseum.org/toah/works-of-art/32.143.4

The Forgotten

Art is ageless, even as it's creators passes on..some remnants remain as others are lost through the shuffle of time; the important thing that must not be forgotten is to give every single piece of creation it's due...Today!!

Honesty in Art

To those who view art as being about honesty, how does an artist achieve success?

Drawing

One's ability to draw from the well of everyday life, is considered visual art when these daily lessons learned are applied to a canvas or paper; such as a simple drawing for instance.

Opposite of Create

The opposite of create is destroy; but I say the opposite of create is denial of one's ability.

What is Art?

A painting is the result of painting and a sculpture is the result of sculpting; based on this premise, art too is an object as well as an action and these two perspectives both must be taken into consideration when answering the question 'What is Art?'.

Anger

Anger is destructive, to rather turn it into a masterpiece and be admired for its beauty is unfathomable in the heat of the moment; the key to creation in this state is to be found through force of action onto the canvas.

Many people abstain from art by saying: 'I can't even draw a straight line'; well I say: good then, even better:)

The difference between light and dark is a matter of intensity in either direction.

Art: All Creation is made up of constructs, components ...

Art: All Creation is made up of constructs, components ...: "All Creation is made up of constructs, components if you will; every artist or creator has his own constructs where this unique set of compo..."

All Creation is made up of constructs, components if you will; every artist or creator has his own constructs where this unique set of components characterizes the artist's distinct style, and through which their art is made.

Art: If Beauty is Truly in the Eye of the Beholder...

                                                    Mona Lisa, Leonardo Da Vinci (1503-1506)
 "If Beauty is truly in the eye of the beholder...then what makes a work like the Mona Lisa so Wonderful; what is it in the eye that we alike, must behold?"

Amen.

If Beauty is truly in the eye of the beholder, then what makes a work like the Mona Lisa so Wonderful; what is it in the eye that we all must have in common?

Art: Art can be just as simple as the conquering of lif...

Art: Art can be just as simple as the conquering of lif...: "Art can be just as simple as the conquering of life's obstacles; one shade of color at a time."

Art can be just as simple as the conquering of life's obstacles; one shade of color at a time.

Art: As a member of society I'm a nobody, and as an art...

Art: As a member of society I'm a nobody, and as an art...: "As a member of society I'm a nobody, and as an artist to the art-world I'm also a nobody; what a wonderful couple I make:)"

As a member of society I'm a nobody, and as an artist to the art-world I'm also a nobody; what a wonderful couple I make:)

The truest of artists never stop...failing.

Art: To the lone artist it is important to be understoo...

Art: To the lone artist it is important to be understoo...: "To the lone artist it is important to be understood, and if their work is not then together they stand alone."

To the lone artist it is important to be understood, and if their work is not then together they stand alone.

Nature of a Painting's Outcome

Bridge over the Sun  C.T. Rasmuss, India ink/watercolor (2012).

If an artist's state of mind is completely calculated, especially in regards to the end result of the artwork, then what conclusion can be taken from a painting that's done over an extended period of time as well; is it considered to be forced since the end result is pre-determined, with the artist unwilling to expect a more 'natural' outcome..

Therefore...is it rather the artist's ability to listen to the conversation between the brush, canvas and what is being created or what the artist has set out to do, unwilling to compromise with the unexpected; that's most in tune with the 'Laws of Nature'?

Art: Art is to create, to create is to relate; to relat...

Art: Art is to create, to create is to relate; to relat...: "Art is to create, to create is to relate; to relate to what is the question."

Relating to Creation

Untitled  C.T. Rasmuss, acrylic (2011)

Art is to create, to create is to relate; to relate to what is the question.

Art simply put, is man's response to the original act of nature's creation; therefore it is imperative for the artist to look to mother nature for the nurturing of their talent.

A new color is discovered with each and every stroke of the brush.

The artist's study of spatial components gives them access to tools, through which they can draw the viewer in that much closer.

Perception

Perception is always just an eye away...

A piece of artwork is most successful when the artist's intent is somehow communicated to it's viewers, including the artist of origination.

Contour lines can create depth from an aerial perspective as well as longitudinal; the trick is to successfully merge them into one perspective.

Movement must be subjected to stillness in order to exist within; therefore creating pure contrast.

A lonely artist knows everyone, yet no one knows the lonely artist.

The artist is truly free only when the artist can come to the realization; their process is what reveals truth and the product is that evidence.

If you were to start a painting knowing you were never going to be able to ever finish it; would you still start it?

An everlasting impression begins with just one line__

Any idea worth sharing needs a messenger that fits the reason; and full of energy in order to outlast the original source as well as the idea.

Art is: The Human Act of Creation.

Side A- B/W Juxtaposition:  C.T. Rasmuss, Acrylic on foam-core (2013).

            The Dictionary's definition of Art is:  

     ..the human act of creation...

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Side A  C.T. Rasmuss, Acrylic on foam-core (2013).

I agree with this definition but may I also add that:  It is your Human Right, perhaps calling to partake, to some degree, in exercising your God given gift; of being Human! to attempt your hand at this beautiful privilege?!!!

Night & Day - A Modern Dilemma  C.T. Rasmuss - A technique invented by the artist. (2013-13).


As you've probably noticed in this blog, the Artist's portrayal of: 'Evolution'

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