The Artist:
Organizer. Preparation Cook. Grill Master. Host. Participant. It is the artist that must wield all these labels. By studying the intricacies of all of these duties that one must under go in order for a barbecue to be successful. One can then be successful as a Post Modern Barbequism artist.
Organizer- Everything is planned. Even room for improvisation among all roles and duties must leave room for error, surprise, and accident. One does not look simply at an idea of what one wants to create, but instead the entirety of project. One does not look at simply completing a work of art from an idea. Instead one must look at everything involved around the work. Always ask questions. Never stay cemented in an idea. Be capable of adaption in an instant. Look at how a piece can be incorporated into a body of work. Carry a concept. Push deeper. Ask not only what will be the art, but how will the art be promoted? Where will this art display? Why as an artist do I want to create this. Anticipate lines of dialogue this work will provoke. Be the agitator. With strong organization an artist can steer an audience towards specific concepts. Figure out what is being said. The overall statement. Even if there is no idea behind the work. Let that be your idea. Organization of utmost importance. With poor planning, comes poor execution. From the sketches to the painting to the venue, to the buyer, to the whole theme of a show, to how one presents one's self are all part of Post Modern Barbequeism. Everything is calculated for optimum effect.
Artist as Prep. Cook- Since a major aspect of Post Modern Barbequeism is the techniques of the unknown. Materials as random as they seem, must always be researched. Some materials require a great deal of prep time in order for the right effect to be accomplished. There are no cutting corners. With that being said some inventiveness can occur. A major theme of Post Modern Barbequeism is if something cannot be found that is needed for a piece. Improvise. Research all and any other avenues that can lead to a break through. Sometimes the best techniques are spawn from non-linear, conceptually, creative-abstract trains of thought. One must always look to other non art solutions for an artistic problem. The sciences, mathematics, and places that are not thought to be inspiring can sometimes bring about the ultimate in eureka.
Artist as Grill Master- The artist of Post Modern Barbequeism has to display knowledge of their materials and techniques much like a cook knows how to obtain certain flavors through various recipes depending on the taste sensation they are trying to achieve. An artist must bring the taste sensation to the eye of their audience as well as the mind, touch, and auditory. The goal is to create a visceral experience. One that goes beyond that of art. Something that brings magic back into art. A work that makes the viewer step back and say," How is that possible?" Or it creates the undeniable sensation that one MUST go up and touch the piece. To create a living entity through art is the only way to bring back fine art to the general American public. Create a sense of wonderment. Break down the barriers between the elitist separatist art world and the common man. Intelligence is not the issue of division either, as so many in the art world would like others to believe.
Artist as Host- Post Modern Barbequeism is as much about the art as it is about the artist because the art is almost strictly based on the subject matters of semi-autobiographical narrative, iconographic symbolism, personal universals, or social commentary about our contemporary times. So it is our duty , the artist to welcome everyone with open arms and not to alienate our audience with over the top art lingo that displaces non art world persons into a state of limbo. So as to exclude them by making them feel inferior. It is not the job of the Host to belittle one's guest. In all actuality it is the artist job to set forth open ended discussions and bring separate factions of social and economical backgrounds together in a way that creates dialogue. This is the job of the Post Modern Barbequeist as Host. This is one of the most important aspects of the movement by not secluding one's self in what are commonly referred to as artist's colonies and/or other places where creatives separate themselves from the general populace. It is my belief that the artist must be enthralled in all of society. The working class, the socialites, the poverty stricken, and most importantly one must be able not only to be amongst the people. One must earn the respect of each group in order to properly persuade them as to the benefits of an artistically enriched life.
As host the myths of the artist must be dispelled. Artist must be hard working and focused in our efforts to show that our career is as worthy of respect as those around us. Show that we apply a learned skill and that we are not simply eccentric persons that merely create on a whim and cannot defend our work with eloquently spoken words. Our thoughts must be articulate and our concepts must be of perfect visual execution. In order to gain respect of the working class we must show that what we do is indeed work. Thus, financial compensation should not be something that we are shocked and ashamed to receive. As much deserving as a doctor, lawyer, or other profession expecting monetary payment for their services. We too should not have to defend our chosen profession. A host is confident, assured, resourceful, respected, befriended, and gives a persona of someone whom you want to know. Someone with whom you want to know more about. One that can carry a discussion in a wide variety of knowledge and not only about art, but also other worldly and domestic affairs.
Artist as Participant- One must be receptive to others during exhibitions, events, and other such public affairs. When amongst the public anti social behavior is not that of a Post Modern Barbeque ideal. In order to quiet the myths of art and artists one must break down the barriers that have been erected by hundreds of years of conforming to a certain image. As artist must be accessible in order for the public to begin to understand and appreciate art. For instance, instead of working in a studio secluded in the safety of an artist commune or other such place. I choose to work in garages where ever I am staying. As this takes some of the pretentiousness out of the act of creating art. Plus, it allows for a certain interaction that most people generally do not have an opportunity to witness. Much of American society is sheltered from those that are creative and vice versa. Meaning many artist secluded them selves as to focus on their work. Breaking this barrier is an essential part of the Post Modern Barbequeism Movement. People taking witness to the daily efforts of an artist witness their growth and creative process. While, also growing an appreciation for the time and thought that goes into creating work.
Another benefit of working in this type of atmosphere allows for the interaction between an artist and the peoples in which one is influenced by. In my experience I have found that because of this ease of access many more individuals are much more likely to initiate a conversation because of the relaxed atmosphere. It gives the impression that although hard at work the artist is not separate from the environment, but in actuality is apart of the environment. As much as the trees that grow outside, the children that play in the yards, and neighbors that are walking their dogs. Over time people just become accustom to seeing the artist work progress as a part of their daily lives. Not even realizing that their opinion of art as some mythical beast begins to fade. The artist at work becomes as much the norm as someone working in their garden. Instead of an abnormality. By being a participant in the society which one is creating commentary on a deeper sense of understanding is achieved and the work will contain a certain inter-connectedness that is a potent element of Post Modern Barbequeism.
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