The Artist

So I guess this is the part where I am supposed to dress up all in black, get a fancy portrait shot and write some pretentious prose about my impeccable pedigree in the third person.

Well, that’s not gonna happen. Like Joe Walsh sings “I’m just an ordinary average guy” ( that happens to like Art.)  Actually I love art, all kinds of art. But I hate art snobs! If you told me that you love a piece that I made but wish it were pink with polka dots I would say “No problem” and offer to make it for you. I am down to earth and practical in that way.

Art can not live in isolation from the reality of our world. Form, function, it can get fuzzy at times. Art doesn’t have to be able to open cans or improve the suction in your vacuum, although it may make it easier to sell. What art has to be able to do at a minimum is make you feel something. A chuckle, a smile inside… Art’s true function is to help us confirm to ourselves and others that we are in fact human.

I am a self-taught artist. My formal training and education is in welding. This knowledge and skill allow me to shape and join the raw material into what I “see” as the final piece. Most of my metal work is practical art. I think this is in large part due to my personality.

Most recently I have explored photography. Currently my equipment consists of an 8 mega-pixel smart phone, home made lighting rigs and a macro lens assembly I fabricated from parts of a dissected laser pointer. My next project is to make a cell phone/tripod adapter.

I am enjoying and learning from exploring the limits of this set up. I am living the lesson - Never blame your equipment - its not the type of camera that makes a good picture.

Thank you for your interest. I welcome questions and comments. Just go to the Contact link on the menu above.

Anton Witting