James Mullen

Artist Statement

While ya'll may be anticipating a deeper understanding of my art work here, in general, Im never inclined to go very deep into the meaning of art. I make art. Its your role to act
as critic. I'd much rathershare with you my personal views on the process of artistic creativity,
and on the life of the artist. I identify within find common ground with the Dada artists of the early 20the century,
who worked at art that made no sense, that was nonsense. They made nonsense art. Nonsensical art is the goal. Because if war and consumerism make sense, then they
would choose nonsense instead. I get that. I'm in the same boat, although it may be more accurate to tell you yay I make art to amuse myself, for my own gratification, and to leave behind some evidence of my
existance. You know, Kilroy was here. A for process, I look for sculptural components that have a low quotient of similarity, that at first glance, don't belong together. It's an organic process. I sometimes have a plan, bit more often I just look around the shop for an object that catches my attention, and start there, and next look for an item that complements the first item, and connect them together, using nuts and bolts and rivets and screws and wire and glue. And it grows from there. Organically. Each new item chosen to work in concert with the previous
stage of construction. Basically whatever tickles my funny bone. What makes nonsense.
It's just art, as common as sunshine. Asfor the artist's life, I have to tell ya'll that we are all artists. Every kid will scribble with crayons, stack rocks and blocks. It's just that most people close off that door around age 10 or so. Why? I don't know, as I was compelled to leave that door open. Where does that door lead to? To the metaphysical world, to the dreamtime, to the part of the
subconsciousness where art is found. Many time I find solutions to my art projects when I'm half asleep but conscious. It's where we can make contact with the greater collective consciousness.