We really should start using the word decoration more. A lot of
stuff is called art when it isn't. Art has the extra dimension of
communicating ideas... whereas decoration usually does not.
Decoration may simply make something more interesting or attractive
to look at... and, in my opinion there is nothing wrong with
decoration. It is a very human thing to do. We even decorate
ourselves.
The lines on `What is Art?' are made even fuzzier after reading such
things as newspaper articles suggesting we hang our clothing on the
wall as art. We know the lady meant decoration. Even if the clothing
could last for five hundred years and was truly original, would it
not be viewed as an artefact or ornamentation.
"The artisan who does handsome tie dies deserves no less dignity
than someone who does Pattern Painting on canvas. But both belong in
the craft shop - along with the elegant paperweight sculpture, the
interior decoration masked as abstract or figurative painting."
(114)
Thomas Albright
"Sadly, today's new houses are not about living on the earth but
about showing off the worldly goods we accrue while we're here. Doug
Shadbolt sums it up. `It's a nouveau riche mentality... it's show
biz. Everybody has to have the best from all over the world. We're
not content with natural materials. We want Italian marble, Japanese
something or other, German kitchenware, Swedish hinges - its a
mishmash'" (115)
Scott Mowbray
114. Thomas Albright, On Art and Artists, (U.S.A., The Chronicle
Publishing Co.,1989), p.p. 174,175
115. Scott Mowbray, Editor, Vancouver, November, 1991
