Preface
Why do this to myself?
Preface
Paragraph P.1
Initially intended as an examination of art’s place in a human life, this book evolved into a dual reflection: how life influences art, and how art shapes life. The subject, of course, is my own life.
P.2
As I analyzed my artistic journey, it became clear that my lifelong attempt to "find my way" in the art world had paralleled my search for a place within it. These two quests, though similar, are distinct. Finding my way felt like navigating a maze—trying to promote my unique artistic voice, even when I wasn’t entirely sure where I wanted to go. I suppose you could say that this amounts to me trying to find people and organizations who would acknowledge in some significant way the artistic things that come out of me. The honest turn of their attention and a sincere "Well done" of sorts. It would also seem that this acceptance would need to include their continued support in my artistic endeavors. And money too. In contrast, finding my place has involved understanding what my art means in the larger context of the art world and discovering others whose work resonates with mine. This would be related to questions such as "So what are these creative things that keep coming out of me? What do they mean? Why is it happening? Why does it matter so much for me to get these expressions out?" and "Who are doing similar things that I can identify with?"
P.3
Growing up, no one in my family shared my artistic tendencies. While we all drew and painted as children, I was the only one for whom it became a vital part of life. This isolation sometimes left me feeling conflicted—proud of my talent but embarrassed by its uniqueness. I often don't know what I’m trying to express through my art; I only know that each new project feels like a great idea. The connections between my various artistic styles remain unclear, but I hope the bigger picture will eventually emerge.
P.4
As I mentioned: At times, I’ve felt embarrassed by the attention my art has drawn, especially when met with puzzled looks. This still has not deterred me from wanting to do these things. Besides, there is a tremendous amount of satisfaction and joy after giving birth in this way. Even if, at times, it is an ugly baby. We will examine this issue as we go along. I am convinced that there’s a place for my work in the art world—I just need to find it.
P.5
While I haven't yet fully found my way or place in the art world, I believe this book can help me do so. By analyzing my past experiences, I hope to gain a clearer understanding of my art and chart a course for the future. At the time of writing, I am an unknown artist, earning no income from my work, making this reflection both timely and necessary. But this book (which is another work of my art) isn’t just for me—you’ll learn from it too, and I promise it will entertain.
P.6
As the narrative unfolds, you'll witness how this story takes a leap into what I call my "Art-DNA," which I've included as an index to this book. The “Art-DNA” connects related subjects and will help us gain a deeper understanding of how and why things developed the way they did. Please review this section carefully—it’s key to grasping what I’m trying to convey.
P.7
Throughout this journey, you'll meet the people and artists who activated my senses and influenced me, from the unknown 1970s painters of velvet canvases that graced our living room wall to world-renowned illustrators and photographers whose work I tried to emulate. These influences, alongside significant life events, helped shape my artistic vision. If I do my job right, you will be continually immersed in the culture and times of the years discussed. From the first time I saw a picture of the rock band KISS, to my first awareness of the opposite sex. It's all in here. From a bad experience with the drug LSD, to the night I tried to hang myself in my bedroom closet. All of these events and people, combined with a flood of consumer products; a bombardment of mass media in the form of television, movies, music, books and magazines all working together on my mind have all added up in some way to how I perceive things artistically. It's not all pretty, but it's all pretty interesting.
P.8
As I compiled this volume I was surprised at how many different ideas, experiences and influences were taking place all around me at the exact same time in my life. A handful of influential directions would have been enough, but the dates on the photos, clippings and other memorabilia show that there were an unbelievable amount of things going on all at once and challenging each other for dominance in my life. It was a real sensory overload, as you will see in the chapters to follow. An army of major persuasions funneled themselves into a wide-eyed and willing youth. From month-to-month I was assaulted by some of the most powerful images and ideas of the time, some good, some bad. It is fascinating to see what came out at the other end.
P.9
If you ever feel overwhelmed by the amount of information I’m sharing, remember that this is only a fraction of what was being pushed on people during the years I’m presenting to you. The sheer volume of cultural, social, and commercial influences during this time is staggering, shaping the lives and choices of all of us in ways that is still felt today.
P.10
As you read, please know that whatever negative things unfold within its pages (and there are a number of them) they have all been worked out successfully. Know too that I have become well adjusted in the world around me, whether that be in the world of art or in the one that we are all finding our way through together.
Larry Hunt, September 21, 2024
© L.HUNT
