A moral dilemma presents itself when one engages in an environmental art enterprise in a natural setting. Often the beauty of the site is the initial attraction, and inspiration for making a piece. As a three-dimensional artist working with natural materials the question arises: is it right to make changes to the setting as it’s encountered? If the answer is yes then the next question is: should the piece that’s created be left by the artist or destroyed and the site returned to its original condition? I think the artist owes it to those coming after to try and leave the site as found so that they may enjoy the same pleasure of discovery, as the artist did, in coming to that place.
A moral dilemma presents itself when one engages in an environmental art enterprise in a natural setting. Often the beauty of the site is the initial attraction, and inspiration for making a piece. As a three-dimensional artist working with natural materials the question arises: is it right to make changes to the setting as it’s encountered? If the answer is yes then the next question is: should the piece that’s created be left by the artist or destroyed and the site returned to its original condition? I think the artist owes it to those coming after to try and leave the site as found so that they may enjoy the same pleasure of discovery, as the artist did, in coming to that place.
Good points, Dan. To be clear, I think the two "peaks" of the art piece that I completed were destined for a short lifespan regardless and largely dependent on the next modest breeze!
ReplyDeleteIt was good to have worked with you and Elin and look forward to to seeing you both again in English Harbour.
Dave Wells
Thanks, Dave. The land and seascape of English Harbour is a true treasure of biological diversity. I look forward to continued exploration on our next visit.
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