Chris Teeter - Artist Statement

An artist’s statement presents the opportunity for an artist to talk about his work in intellectual terms. Most artists are eager to share what it is they do and are at least fond of the idea of making elucidating remarks about it if for no other reason than to forestall misunderstandings. Most just want the work to speak for itself visually, since it is all about communicating in a language that is alternative to words. The danger is that you don’t want to explain away what is an essential aspect to works of art, namely, mystery. Words, in relation to artworks, tend to function like pins through butterflies in display cases. That being said, however, I will venture forth with some remarks that might serve to help you make sense of the sculptures that I have created for this show that all relate to music in some way.

Much of my life has been spent in relation to music, either vocationally or avocationally. So, it was natural that I found myself thinking about music in relation to making sculpture, which is what I do best. The two worlds of ear and eye seemed to share common ground in the realm of space, both interior and exterior. These sculptures point towards that unifying ground in that they exist as objects in space that urge the viewer towards the inner space of mind. This intangible meeting place, where ideas and experiences collide, is where art wants to take us. If you are willing, works of art provide access to something essential within and in so doing enrich your life.

Towards that end, the titles, in conjunction with the sculptures, should provide you with enough information to cue your mind to supply you with the rest.