The Association of Sculptors of Victoria is an inclusive, not-for-profit collective of contemporary artists whose purpose is to inspire,stimulate and advance the appreciation, creation, and exploration of three-dimensional art in society.

President's Message February 2011

The year started with another success at Jenny Rickard’s Herring Island – see her rousing report herewith.

Members are reminded to plan for their entries in the following exhibitions:Castlemaine (NEW) (1 – 10 April) entries close 4 March; and the Elliot-ASV Gallery complete refreshment (now 3 May) entries close 15 April.

See notices herewith – exhibits may be moved to different venues, having different audiences. ASV exhibitions generally aim to include a range of artistic styles. We believe artists like to grow and experiment in different modes and styles over time, and our exhibitions usually include works ranging from the abstract to the realistic.

On modern sculpture, one art critic has observed in the news that ‘anything goes’. Are there standards anyway? Ideas on criteria for good art appear to vary enormously. Michael Meszaros uses four criteria, which could be applied to art in many forms:
What is the artist trying to do?
How is the artist trying to do it?
Has the artist succeeded in doing what he/she set out to do?
Was it worth doing in the first place?
Michael openly acknowledges that these criteria would not suit everyone. For example, some may emphasise issues such as : Is it safe? Is there an impact through being beautiful or ugly? Is it properly finished? Is it important that there is a discernible purpose or message to viewers? Need it be understood by the mob?

Some artists may be expressing a burning inside. Some may on the other hand prefer obscurity, as opposed to exposing themselves or their experiences, without realising the honest appeal of their nakedness will strike a common chord in others. Some may be simply guided by the grain of the wood or general shape of the stone or their mood at the moment. It is suggested that a purpose that is understood is more likely to be appreciated as transcendental, and the work respected through time.

I welcome your comments by web site blog.
Geoff Williams President

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