Artist's Statement: Through the Green Fuse
Through the Green Fuse is a portfolio of images
that I created as an interpretation and celebration of the design
of being, and through them, to enhance my understanding of its
nature.
In March 1999, I began to feel a need to explore
the tools of my medium beyond both their traditional and innovative
uses as means to advance self-expression. In contrast to those
artists who are turning to technology for additional tools to
achieve their own freedoms, I turned to simplicity, mindful craftsmanship
and the direct exposure of photographic materials to exercise
my own freedom of expression.
Without using either camera or lens, my new technique
has more in common with Japanese ink brush painting and improvisational
jazz than it does with the current practices of photography. Each
delivery of light, like every brush stroke or note played, is
unrehearsed, and, once released, cannot be undone.
The recognition that light in all its manifestations
nourishes my life allows me to accept the rigorous demands of
this process of imaging as a spiritual exercise. Although the
technique has no relationship to those I have used previously,
the quality of the creative experience is similar to that of photographing
the landscape of my beloved California.
The imagery succeeds when I reach a point where
my conscious intention dissipates, and, dependent as it is on
my hands and my heart, is replaced by a sense of being a conduit
for the serendipitous dance I’ve imagined between subject
and spirit. This development creates a perilous condition, moving
me into a world that is unfamiliar and full of risk yet seems
to be a place I must explore for what it might reveal.
With this work, I am pursuing something that I cannot
define, anticipate or manipulate into existence. In surrendering
to the dance of art, I see my life and my work as parts of that
design of being which I seek to understand.
- Robert Buelteman
More About Robert Buelteman
In conjunction with the exhibition of his work at
SVAM, Robert Buelteman participated in a number of interactive
presentations, including a conversation with Robert McDonald entitled,
"The Artist as Visionary" on August 21, 2003.
In this conversation, Mr. Buelteman explained the
technical processes to his work, but more importantly, gave insights
into motivations and approach that one rarely gets from such a
talk.
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SVAM
is delighted to be able to bring the artist and community
together in ways that help deepen our understanding of the
work and its impact on us. |
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Experience
some key moments from the talk in this one-minute QuickTime
movie. Click on the image to play the movie.
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