Tony Jones
004: Walking in a ________ Until Dropping
There was a slight impression of dissatisfaction with Walking from Point A to Point B. After concluding 32 versions of the work (completed in 25 different states), I sensed that the work was a failure. At no point did I feel labeled as a vagabond or “bum.” However, I began to wonder if I had pushed the work to full maturity.
On another level, there were many encouraging aspects about the performance. I was inspired by the many conversations that took place during my voyages. In most cases, the viewers were curious about my role as an artist and were interested to know why I used my body as a medium. In addition, there were many moments of peaceful reflection and solitude. These instances provided ample motivation and creative sustenance. The presence of the station, the traveler, and the open road combined to form a distinctive tapestry. Nonetheless, I began to wonder how I could improve upon the existing work.
In the year that followed, I envisioned an additional exploration of drifter aesthetics to be titled Walking in a__________ Until Dropping. As a departure point, I intended to preserve the act of walking within the open landscape. In order to modify the work, I decided to introduce the concepts of shape, geometry and endurance. I accomplished this by making two fundamental changes to the original format. First, instead of walking from one point to another – in essence, the definition of a straight line - I predetermined points that established a recognizable geometric shape. Next, I committed to walking beyond the limits of my bodily comfort. In the spirit of endurance inspired performance, I made the decision to walk until my legs could no longer support or generate movement.
These changes influenced the piece in several ways. First, due to increased mileage demands, I was only able to complete eight versions of the new work. From April to September, my travels traced the outline of four triangles, three squares and one circle. Second, whereas Walking from Point A to Point B provided opportunities to pause, converse, and interact with the environment, Walking in a__________ Until Dropping changed the overall dynamic of the work. A heightened level of commitment was required in order to complete the geographical shapes. There was nothing leisurely about Walking in a__________ Until Dropping. It was a full blown work of artistic endurance.
The success of Walking in a__________ Until Dropping confirmed what I had suspected for some time.
I am Tony Jones and I am an artist!
Indeed, I am an artist!
There was a slight impression of dissatisfaction with Walking from Point A to Point B. After concluding 32 versions of the work (completed in 25 different states), I sensed that the work was a failure. At no point did I feel labeled as a vagabond or “bum.” However, I began to wonder if I had pushed the work to full maturity.
On another level, there were many encouraging aspects about the performance. I was inspired by the many conversations that took place during my voyages. In most cases, the viewers were curious about my role as an artist and were interested to know why I used my body as a medium. In addition, there were many moments of peaceful reflection and solitude. These instances provided ample motivation and creative sustenance. The presence of the station, the traveler, and the open road combined to form a distinctive tapestry. Nonetheless, I began to wonder how I could improve upon the existing work.
In the year that followed, I envisioned an additional exploration of drifter aesthetics to be titled Walking in a__________ Until Dropping. As a departure point, I intended to preserve the act of walking within the open landscape. In order to modify the work, I decided to introduce the concepts of shape, geometry and endurance. I accomplished this by making two fundamental changes to the original format. First, instead of walking from one point to another – in essence, the definition of a straight line - I predetermined points that established a recognizable geometric shape. Next, I committed to walking beyond the limits of my bodily comfort. In the spirit of endurance inspired performance, I made the decision to walk until my legs could no longer support or generate movement.
These changes influenced the piece in several ways. First, due to increased mileage demands, I was only able to complete eight versions of the new work. From April to September, my travels traced the outline of four triangles, three squares and one circle. Second, whereas Walking from Point A to Point B provided opportunities to pause, converse, and interact with the environment, Walking in a__________ Until Dropping changed the overall dynamic of the work. A heightened level of commitment was required in order to complete the geographical shapes. There was nothing leisurely about Walking in a__________ Until Dropping. It was a full blown work of artistic endurance.
The success of Walking in a__________ Until Dropping confirmed what I had suspected for some time.
I am Tony Jones and I am an artist!
Indeed, I am an artist!