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| Steve Smith, Red and Yellow Cedar Bentwood Charity Box, Impermanence, 4 1/4" x 3 1/2" x 3 1/2" |
We tend to buy material objects based on our attachment to them as tangible goods; they should in theory, remain intact for, well, forever. So what kind of feelings does a piece of art, that can literally be erased, invoke in us as consumers? How do we perceive a piece that is so readily... impermanent? Kwakwaka'wakw artist Steve Smith challenges our conceptions of tangible objects and their value with his 2012 Annual Charity Bentwood Box Silent Auction contribution titled Impermanence.
The box is painted with chalkboard paint and drawn on with chalk/soft pastels. Since it's on chalkboard, it's kind of like being back in school and it's one of the days lessons. It's title is really what it's all about, in that the art work can easily be erased or wiped off (with a damp cloth). After having a heart attack it became even clearer to me how impermanent we all are. As artists, I think most of us are trying to make art work that will last well after we have moved on, but this piece is all about non attachment to what we think should last forever. The body will die and the only think that is forever is the wondrous connection that we all have to the Creator. Because we all are the Creator.
-Steve Smith
This piece will be available for silent auction until December 8, 2012 at 8pm PDT.
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