Definition - Artist's statement

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Definition:

1) a formal and concise statement of the meaning of a word, phrase, etc. 2) the act of defining a word, phrase, etc. 3) the act of making clear or definite. 4) the state or condition of being clearly defined or definite. 5) a measure of the clarity of an optical, photographic, or television image as characterised by its sharpness and contrast.

This group of works plays on two themes: how art is defined and the individual/collaborative aspects of creation. These are both areas that interest me as an artist. Regardless of how much I or any other artist considers that we work alone, we are always in some way collaborating with others, either intentionally or unintentionally. In addition, artists are often defined and ascribed a value according to the process/medium they use.

To explore these themes and to take an opportunity to play with words, which I enjoy, I have asked a variety of people who are involved with 'art' to supply me with their interpretation of a particular word that is common in the art vocabulary.

How they interpreted that word and collaborated with me has resulted in this show.

This is a work that will always be in progress and should be viewed in the same way as a sculptor's maquete or a painters sketch.

David Boyce, March 2003