Post #198473 by otikiniko on Wed, Nov 16, 2005 3:57 PM

Ok... to preface all of this, look left and check out the number of posts. I'm kinda quiet, especially considering how long I've been here. So please, take this with the grain of salt and olive tree leaf that has been extended to others.

First off, I'm glad that this thread has been unlocked because it's one that I feel truly moved by. Why? Well, this is the kind of discussion that actually needs to happen. It's timely and it's productive. (Well, somewhat?) I believe that there is a necessity in every artist to question what is behind their work. Possibly, it has to do with the years I spent sitting in art history, art criticism, art theory, etc. classes but it is something that every artist, who truly intends to grow as such, must do. Having said that, there are a lot.... actually I'd say most of the folks whose work I've seen here that are moving forward. Whether it be in context, or skill, or both, there is a movement and it makes "creating tiki" quite a forum. (IMHO) Part of that growth is going to come from the community and their impetus and critique. Another part is going to come from within the artist and how the artist interprets that community response. And still another is going to come from the path itself and how uncovering one treasure normally leads to three more. It took a bit of reading and thinking and re-reading and thinking more to really get my brain around this thread and I truly believe that BK's initial post was an attempt to encourage growth within the community as a whole... carvers, painters, illustrators, sculptors, fashion designers, conceptual artists, musicians, everyone. Regardless of experience or age we always can grow and learn, especially as artists!

Second, I'll readily admit that I've been tempted to post with regards to a lot of artwork but I haven't. Why? Well, in all honesty I'm not really that well known here and I'm not exactly sure how someone will take what I have to say. This is not to say I have a negative opinion, quite the contrary in many cases, but who knows how some "overeducated smarty pants, art-jargon-laden" response will be taken. Sometimes behind a screen words take on a much different meaning, (just look at the multiple interpretations of this thread!) and I don't want to crush someone's feelings. Also, there are times I just don't have the time. In retrospect, I now see this as being part of the problem. I am a part of this community and my input is valid. Who knows, I may just provide that nugget that takes one of my ohana to the next level creatively. This thread has inspired me to do so, and I hope (as I suspect BK hoped) it inspires others too. Inspires us to dissect art, pass on the influences we may have, discuss technique as well as inspiration, and truly move forward together as artists.

James T solidified a true conundrum when he said:

On 2005-11-13 19:06, tikibars wrote:
I did the first article and then gave up - because sometimes I don't know what Tiki is anymore.

I know what is WAS.
In 1962.
But what is the Tiki community truly all about NOW?

That's not such an easy question to answer anymore.

Truth is that Tiki is being defined and re-defined as we speak. We as an ohana (and not just the artists) have a responsibility to protect, honor, preserve, and yes, attempt to understand the past (and not just the past defined by one historian or one collector) while continually moving forward. Tiki is inevitably going to be defined that way, like it or not. BK's original post was a call to action to do just that... move forward with the utmost of respect. That sentiment I ultimately agree with. I've learned generally it is harder to un-do something already done than it was to do in the first place.

Please, set your immediate feelings aside and think about what I have said while re-reading this thread.
(....ok, now feel free to flame and lambast me and my opinions at will!)