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Joseph Mietus | Because Art

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In the book Rooftop Soliloquy, Roman Payne writes, “…all forms of madness, bizarre habits, awkwardness in society, general clumsiness, are justified in the person who creates good art.” To a degree I think this is true, if for no other reason than its acknowledgement that society allows artists to break social norms because it’s understood art will allow us to see things in a new way.

Arts function is to take both extremes as well as the mundane of existence and present it in a way that offers some sort of commentary or inspires new thought. It’s for this reason the “bizarre habits” and “awkwardness” are condoned, understood, and sometimes embraced.

While it’s easy to romanticize the value of the process – embracing the journey rather than the destination – for me the essential factor in art is about the actual creation of something and that goal is not reached until the end. The process becomes an important factor over a period of time of the development after many different pieces – recognizing how that has changed to reach finalized goals.

I don’t label myself an artists but rather as a creative person who associates with other creative people. I’m sure in using the word “goals” would rub some the wrong way, but all the art I create – in music, photography, etc. – is not tangible until something is complete – until there is something to show. Prior to that, it’s only an idea. Because my friends and I are artists (if we consider ourselves such or not) we do everything we can to see our ideas into realization.

Joseph Mietus
goldenboyphoto.com

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Joseph Mietus was an Exhibiting Artist in AnySquared’s Fall 2014 Because Art Exhibition.

Erik Debat | Because Art

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What does it mean to be an artist?
– Freedom

What is the function of art?
– Expression

What is more important to you the process or the result?
– They are equal and symbiotic.

Do you label yourself as an artist?
– Yes, proudly.

Erik DeBat
erikdebat.com

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Erik DeBat was an Exhibiting Artist in AnySquared’s Fall 2014 Because Art Exhibition.

Artist Maria Dimashtein | Because Art

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What does it mean to be an artist?
Being an artist is a way of seeing and experiencing life. Paying attention to one’s surroundings, contemplating, noticing things, knowing one’s thoughts and feelings. As an artist I have a curiosity about the external as well as things going on inside of me. Being an artist also means a commitment to a practice of expression, whatever form that may take. An artist is both an experiencer as well as a creator.

What is the function of art?
I like to say that art is the soul of the society. It doesn’t seem right to say that art has a function but it has a very important place to occupy. It is a necessity in its own way: while not necessary for survival it is essential for a fulfilled meaningful life. Art brings us together and often provides an opportunity to relate to each other. It inspires us, reveals new truths, gives pleasure, offers new ways of seeing things.

What is more important to you the process or the result?
My work is born out of my process and the process is inspired by my life experience – things I am going through become the essence of my work. The end result is merely a stopping point when a certain process appears to be exhausted.

Do you label yourself as an artist?
I define myself as an artist. I try to experience the mundane, the everyday as a work of art – reading into the meaning and form, looking for shapes, content and lyricism everywhere I go. Sometimes I share my observations with others. In addition my ultimate goal that I am subtly pursuing every day is to produce artwork. Many decisions I make are made with that goal in mind. Essentially my biggest and constant desire is to make art.

Maria Dimanshtein
MariaDimanshtein.com

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Maria Dimanshtein was an Exhibiting Artist in AnySquared’s Fall 2014 Because Art Exhibition.

Larry Green | Because Art

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What it means to be an artist. To see and define the reality around me and the world I live in.

Its function defines who I am as well as what others might perceive it to be. Not always makes one feel comfortable but what makes us feel awakens who you are.

The process is work, discovery and the joy of satisfaction that you have created. It leaves behind your legacy and it gives you immortality.

I label myself and I am labeled an artist. But I define and seek who I am and who we are through a creative process that narrates in a visual and at times a conceptual field.

Larry W. Green
www.larrywgreen.com

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Larry W. Green was an Exhibiting Artist in AnySquared’s Fall 2014 Because Art Exhibition.

Carlos J. Matallana | Because Art

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What does it mean to be an artist?
Artists do not create, they restore existing elements to life. Artists are interpreters, translators of emotions, ideas or random thoughts that sometimes are complex to understand or too mundane that we may take it for granted. That said, doctors, lawyers, drivers, teachers, painters, dancers, and any other person can be an artist translating the world around them to connect with other human beings.

What is the function of art?
Catharsis, not by the simple act of doing “art”, but by exercising the technique, challenging or supporting strong statements for ‘artists’ and audience alike.

What is more important to you the process or the result?
Although they are cyclical and with different levels of relevance depending on the project, the part that I enjoy the most is the process. Research, development, planning, exploration, talking to people, improvisation, intuitive procedures and adjustments that build an illustration or a project.

Do you label yourself as an artist?
Artist pursuing a human degree.

Carlos J. Matallana
manualofviolence.org

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Carlos J. Matallana was an Exhibiting Artist in AnySquared’s Fall 2014 Because Art Exhibition.

Artist Angela Davis Fegan | Because Art Featured Artist | VIDEO

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Angela Davis Fegan, aka Lavender Menace, has been a longtime collaborator with AnySquared. We are pleased to share this video on her thoughts about her process and whether she considers herself an artist.  |  AngelaDavisFegan.com____ Angela Davis Fegan was a Featured Artist in AnySquared’s Fall 2014 Because Art Exhibition.

Artist Tara Zanzig | Because Art Featured Artist | VIDEO

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Featured Artist Tara Zanzig is constantly contemplating the image and how it is influenced by context. Check out Tara as she walks through her process and answers some questions along the way.  |  tararchy.com ____ Tara Zanzig was a Featured Artist in AnySquared’s Fall 2014 Because Art Exhibition.

AnySquared Residency

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AnySquared’s Residency Exhibit: “Because Art”
at the Hairpin Arts Center, 2810 North Milwaukee

On Display October 10-November 2
Gallery Hours Saturdays & Sundays, 1pm-4pm

Opening Reception Event
Friday, October 10, 6:30pm-10pm

AnySquared’s “Because Art” exhibit presents work that reveals the discourse between the art and the artist. Through installation, painting, drawing, photography, video, sculpture and mixed media, the exhibit explores approaches and techniques of art practice and how it is shaped through the process of self-identification.

The “Because Art” exhibit is a core part of AnySquared’s Residency at the Hairpin Arts Center running through mid-November. The exhibit is also in conjunction with the rollout of AnySquared’s online publication Because Art.

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AnySquared’s Residency
AnySquared was invited by Hairpin Arts Center to bring our programming to the Hairpin through a residency. We will be activating the space throughout our six week residency and encouraging artists and community participation with exhibitions, workshops, talks, artmaking studio days, “ART + Community” days, screenings, and more that engage people with art.

As our residency evolves, check the website for added events

AnySquared Projects thanks the Hairpin Arts Center and Gretchen Henninger for offering us
the opportunity to create the residency at their wonderful space.
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AnySquared Projects is an all-volunteer collaborative artistic network propelled by a deep sense of cooperation with artists, neighbors and the wider community. Our mission is to support, produce and promote collaborative projects that facilitate arts activities through inclusive participation. Our foundation is built upon the idea that we can do anything as long as we do ourselves and do it together.
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AnySquared.com  |  Subscribe to Ne2 Art News

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Call For Artists: Apply to “Because Art” Exhibit!

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Deadline is Monday, September 8. AnySquared seeks visual art submissions in all media that reveal the discourse between the art and the artist for an exhibition at the Hairpin Arts Center The exhibit will explore approaches and techniques of art practice and how it is shaped through the process of self-identification. INSTRUCTIONS & SUBMISSION QUESTIONS: … Read more