Atelier Patricia Tozer

Fellow jeweller and ancient art aficionado, Caitlin of Aguja y Clavo has begun issuing creative writing prompts on her blog and I am going to try to keep up. I am, of course, already behind, as her first prompt, writing a Creative Manifesto, was issued at the end of December 2022. And now there are at least three of them. Oh well. Typical me, really. Anyway, a manifesto is fun. As an Art Historian, I love me an art manifesto, so while Caitlin suggests writing a summary of the coming year’s goals, I think I will take a slightly different approach, after first reacquainting myself with some historical art manifestos. (Edit: Oh, they’re so pompous! This ought to be fun.)

My Creative Manifesto, which I share gladly with any who wish to use it. It is written tongue in cheek, but I do stand behind the ideas presented here.

1. Creative vision supersedes all else. It is the artist’s obligation to communicate the vision behind the work first and foremost.
2. If we can see it in the mind’s eye, we must try to create it, even if it takes years to achieve a level of technical ability required to do so.
3. If an ephemeral vision does not indicate a way by which to make it a material object, then it must be left in its dream state until such time as it becomes clear how to manifest it.
4. Rushing to create that which repels a physical form is an insult to the original vision. Slowly, slowly.
5. The ultimate artistic endeavour is to capture the emotional and give it solid form. To bring a beholder to tears, to fill them with joy, or anger, or anything, is to have accomplished art.
6. Beauty is manifest when we allow creative expression to transform technical ability into a sixth sense.
7. If making and owning art is our way of expressing our deepest, most cherished qualities to others, then wearable art is one of the highest forms of art that there is. Body adornment allows us to communicate our true selves to our fellow humans. As jewellers we are obliged to facilitate this dialogue.