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14 new visual artworks

3/9/2019

7 Comments

 
A friend of mine denied being an “artist” recently because he only considered himself an artist if he could make a full time living from it. Getting paid gives the credibility, at least to him.

 I wonder if other people feel that way.

My definition may be somewhat broader, and simpler.
An “artist” is someone who makes art. Now, sure, they might not be a “professional” artist, or even a “good” artist but for sure, to me, they are artists.

When I was in my twenties I wanted to be an artist. I painted abstract works somewhat in the style of Gorky or Kandinsky. Looking back, most of them were not too good ( whatever that means) although a few had their charm. And, I’ve never really had the talent for representational drawing or painting and ultimately I gave it up feeling a bit frustrated.

A couple of years ago, and 40 years later, I had the urge to start making some visual art again. I’m not sure why really but I seemed to find  my calling in small size collages and have had a lot of fun making them and giving them away. Purposefully, I made them the same size as CD covers so when I made a new music album I could stick them in as the CD cover, and each would be one of a kind. 
hover your mouse over the slideshow to view controls such as Pause
They are not meant to be representational although sometimes I see things in them.

​Some people have suggested that I go larger. To me, I am very comfortable with the size and format I have chosen and here’s the other thing: when people do large canvases or large form works of sculpture or site specific work where do they put them? Don't they run out of space fast? I own my house and have a large garage but I’d be out of room in a hurry (Of course I also have an extra large music collection) if I did large size works. I can keep a couple thousand of my collages in a couple of show boxes.


As a Christmas present my wife Robin made a framed collection of about 25 of my works that can be changed out because she backed them with velcro. They look really neat together like that.

Most of my life music has been my biggest creative endeavor. Whether it is my own music or my radio shows, sound has been my principal outlet.

But now, for the moment I actually prefer the visual process although I’ll probably go back to music sometime soon. I know a lot less about making visual art than I do about music and maybe that is one of the things that draws me to it. 

Here are a few newer works. If you want to trade my art for your music or art (or anything else) just let me know. I do not sell them. So, without sales, does that still make me an artist?

Don Campau
3-8-19

You can view all of my works here:  https://doncampauartworks.shutterfly.com/pictures/8
7 Comments
Jerry Kranitz
3/9/2019 06:06:50

F**kin A right you’re an artist Don!! Same as creative works as a musician. I enjoy seeing your regular posts of new art pop up in my FB feed. And I’m tickled to have some originals you kindly shared along with my Campau music collection. Keep ‘em coming!

Reply
Chris Phinney
3/9/2019 09:13:35

Don,

Fantastic visuals, lol on are you an artist, you create therefore you are & always have been as far as I am concerned. Getting paid for it matters not, nice if you do but one creates because one wants to, be it writing, drawing, painting, music, performance art, film, video, sculpture etc. To me anyways. I think the size is perfect & also functions as othher, as need be. Where do artists keep all those big pieces, Lol I have seen canvas all over somes houses, no room to me. Keep it up my friend!

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Lord Litter link
3/10/2019 08:58:44

"A friend of mine denied being an “artist” recently because he only considered himself an artist if he could make a full time living from it. Getting paid gives the credibility, at least to him.

I wonder if other people feel that way."

If that was the universal truth ... Vincent van Gogh was no artist ....

Reply
Aimee Naworal link
3/11/2019 12:41:29

I really love your work and would be happy to trade with you in the future because I want to put one of those pieces on my wall.

I agree with Lord on this one I still consider myself an artist even if I am not getting paid for it. I need to create art to feel happy and sane. I love to draw, paint, collage, take photograph's, sing and make interesting sounds. (photographs are the most convenient and method of artistic expression I seem to participate in. There are so many other ways to create art, even cooking something amazing or changing ones home decor is an art form.

I was once held back from fully expressing my self and I am happy to say I am feeling free finally create art in different ways. This post is inspiring thanks for sharing!

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Rafael González
3/11/2019 16:33:33

Beautiful.

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Rafael González
3/11/2019 16:40:52

I like your words, the article that accompanies the artistic creations. I like to create things to be in contact and communicate with others. I do not consider myself an artist or a musician, I am only a member of a secret circle.

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Phillip Klampe
3/11/2019 18:48:42

Someone posted a comment by Lydia Lunch on facebook recently that suggested " if you are doing it for money, it's commerce not art." I suppose this is talking about the creative process and not meaning it's wrong to get money for your art. A lot of us feel the urge to create, and as Rafael says, the artist designation is not necessary. Either way, your creations are great and it's nice of you to continue sharing with us!

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    Picture

    Don Campau

    My name is Don Campau and I have been involved in underground and non mainstream music and radio since 1969. I continue to be an active home taper and Cassette Culture archivist with my own site, The Living Archive.

    Links to know me better:
    The Living Archive
    Lonely Whistle Music
    (my music catalog  and radio listings)

    I have no interest in the music business. I believe in giving my music away for free (although people can trade or buy if they want) and I handmake every single CD I send out. I am interested in human relationships and the community of independent and underground musicians and artists. I like contact and will play your music on the radio.

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