What Is It About Art?

Isn't it ironic, after 20 years since the passing of Keith Haring that his politically and socially charged iconic artworks are on display in San Francisco. A City that has long been known to be the epicenter of political divide is granted an opportunity to remind this very city that art does pave the way for a much more open and better understanding of artists as contributors to the diversity of San Francisco. Much of the creativity of this city is grounded on the amazing work of many artists who thrive and who are often seen as the slackers, easy going, low wage earners. But, they remind the rest of us that we are just side bars to their canvas in the creation as they may their  mark and contribution to this City. What's also unrecognized and appreciated is that where ever they do their art, where they live on the cheap; Mission, Haight, today is the most desirable addresses in the City. My how life has dealt artists a bad deal. But in Keith Haring's situation, ...

Artists typically do not want to hear their work described as "garbage." But for Michael Arcega's latest project, the description is especially apt. Assistant Professor of Art Michael Arcega Arcega, a sculptor and assistant professor of art at San Francisco State University, is one of six individuals selected for the Artist in Residence Program at Recology San Francisco. He will spend four months creating an exhibit almost entirely from discarded materials recovered by Recology, the company responsible for recycled waste collection in the city. Artist's new project: Create treasure from trash - SF State News - University Communications - San Francisco State University

"Art will make people better, more highly skilled in thinking and improving whatever business one goes into, or whatever occupation. It makes a person broader." - Ruth Asawa

I've been noticing this artist for quite sometime. We all do the ritual of taking strolls along the beach with a stick in hand and begin to take little brush strokes to random and playful art on sand. But never do we get more engage and creative than this artist who uses the sand as his canvas. Read on... Andres Amador, 42, calls himself an "earthscape artist." His designs often cover a space as large as a football field, created on beaches from California to the Caribbean. http://www.cbsnews.com/news/artist-makes-a-living-playing-in-the-sand/

For several years and in all the years I've live in San Francisco, this particular art installation or showcase was the charm and highlights to being a resident of the City in seeing unique art period. A recent article in the San Francisco Chronicle shared a sad episode in art work being put to rest. For whatever reason or cause. Sign of the times, transitional period. It doesn't seem to make sense when something staple or memorable leaves its mark and not be notice one bit. The article goes on to say, "public artwork are being evicted from the vacant building, which will be torn down for new housing." Really? Or is there a hidden agenda to do away with something possibly irrelevent today? Let's think twice before we really do away with art. This install probably took years to create and later become a point of reference visually. It was always eye catching when you see it at the  intersection whether your driving, biking or simply stumbling upon this city s...