The Fortress of Lost Time. Graphite on paper and magazine cutouts. December 28, 2010. Miti and Gianni Aiello.
Genova. Graphite on paper and magazine cutouts. December 27, 2010. Miti and Gianni Aiello.
These collages start with a drawing my father sketches out on thin notebook paper; I then proceed to create possible scenarios.
And this is the conversation at the end of the day with my mother, a retired judge — which i have entitled:
Talking about art with my (practical, realist) mother
[Me , retiring for the night, putting my art paraphernalia away] I’m happy about the collage. It was a good day.
Oh, did you have fun?
Mom, I don’t do art to have fun (recalling an earlier conversation about not turning your passion into an hobby).
But, didn’t you entertain yourself while you did it? Didn’t you stop worrying about other things while you were making it?
No mom, that’s not the point. I am creative. I have to create/work on something everyday.
But what’s the use? Something is useful only if someone appreciates it.
Mom, I appreciate it, then it’s enough. I do it to satisfy myself. The people who read my blog appreciate it. Art doesn’t have to be useful in the pragmatic sense.
Then it’s psychotherapy.
No, mom don’t diminish me, if you think it’s psychotherapy then that means there’s something wrong with me.
But if it benefits you it’s like psychotherapy. Ok, like fitness. Mental fitness…..It’s like writing books.
Mom, art is not about fitness.
But I don’t understand art.
Ok, how about this: I do it for something you don’t understand : for pleasure.
No, I don’t understand it.
It’s okay mom. The world is beautiful because of its variety. (Italian saying: ‘il mondo e’ bello perche’ e’ vario). [Exiting the room].
I love my practical mom! She keeps me and my father out of trouble 😉
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