MY TWOs
My work is about 3 dimensional “experiences” of two different kinds: Fine art and Package Design. I truly believe my life’s work choice began before I was born. Or… if it was after birth, then probably when I started looking around at everything… seeing and touching everything with my eyes.
I was jokingly concocting some cock and bull story about having a PHD in design or studying abroad, but instead- let’s get down to the facts: after graduating from N.Y. City’s High School of Art & Design and putting in some quality time at NYC Community College, (and later in life at SUNY New Paltz) I left college and pursued Commercial Art- specializing in Package Design.
I did well – mostly because I could never just leave things alone, without constantly trying to improve or solve. First- I couldn’t just stick with graphics; I had to also stick my nose into structural package designing. Then, I couldn’t just make mock-ups or models, No, instead I succumbed to the sweet temptation to invent stuff… and on it went.
I did a lot of innovating for many companies and national accounts- which helped them make lots of money. And, yes - I have done alright myself, but to me the biggest benefit was … the knowledge gained.
And that’s where my two’s come in.
I realized early on that when it comes to knowledge and experience, two knowledge sets are infinitely, open-endedly better than one. A good example is being bi-lingual. My vocabulary in the Spanish language has often helped my English vocabulary…and vice-versa!
Hey, my favorite English teacher, Mrs. Hess, would be proud. “The best essays are honest and heartfelt” she would say. And so- here I sit, spilling it all out about “my two’s”. Duality, double trouble, living in two worlds, speaking two languages, being of both Taino and Spanish descent… country/city… double the music choices! … Graphic Design/Structural Design…and the list goes on.
But perhaps the most complex and compelling of my dualism examples is this business of being both a commercial artist and a fine artist.
For me, this dualism has been mostly a blessing, a gift from God that has proven to be incredibly, exhilaratingly helpful.
These two gratifying activities obviously have a lot in common. But there are some pertinent distinctions. Yet it so happens that those differences, instead of clashing or causing havoc, can be exploited- utilized to better your skills in both art categories.
At this point, I again recall Mrs. Hess’ sage advice “elaborate, show proof, give examples!” …well, since the benefits are so darn numerous, let’s just focus on the overall category of creative confidence. Since as a fine artist you generally work alone, you are constantly devising your own next move, your next “assignment”, etc. You, in fact have the freedom to do exactly as you please, don’t you? And this attitude, when transposed to the commercial artist in you is downright GOLDEN – because it ingrains in you the ability to make decisions. And, of course the other side of the coin is that… as a commercial artist you work far from alone! …and you are often so-o-o NOT doing exactly as you please. But what IS happening …is that you are honing your skills. In fact, you are sharpening many types of valuable skills, not just your art talents but also communication, marketing, etc. and those skills and attitudes when transposed to your fine art counterpart- are downright PLATINUM!
Because they help instill self-discipline and provide you with the type of work habits that force you to continually improve and refine your every opus.
My ability to make decisions in my fine art endeavors has unequivocally translated very effectively (and made me more confident) in the corporate world. And conversely, the brutally effective work discipline, refinement habits and deadline adherence that I have assimilated in the commercial art field will be forevermore invaluable to me in the process of creating my stone collages assemblage sculptures, painting, printmaking- and other activities.
By the way, these are just two of countless examples!
Yes, for me this ride has been and continues to be like: one plus one = a gazillion!
I’d call it exponential to the nth power, the one field helping the other in constant and continuous rhythm (to my ecstatic delight- Thank you God!)
And, so I got to thinking that there must presumably be other people out there (perhaps writers, musicians or- you name it) who have similar dualism. If you have had similar experiences, (even if the dualism bit you, as it sometimes has bitten me) please contact me and we’ll compare notes. I would love to hear from you personally.