IDEOLOGY - We hold these truths to limit our potential.

Racism, sexism, ageism, classism, religious intolerance - all are biases rooted in the ideologies we have chosen to believe. Ideologies are our own projections. We see what we are able to see based on learned thought patterns.

IDEOLOGY, the sculpture, balances two symbolic figures of no apparent gender, race, politics or religion. Their magnetic engagement focuses on an invisible concept, an arbitrary point in space. It is nothing more than a construct of the imagination. In this sculpture, the figures appear in dynamic opposition. Ironically, it is the invisible concept that connects them.

Polarization does not confirm right or wrong. Aristotle argued every proposition is either true or false. He simply eliminated the entire universe of possibilities between the extremes. Great strategy for attorneys. A real buzz kill for creative thinkers. Logic blinds us to opportunity while binding us to ineffectiveness. Polarization solves nothing.

How do we let go of an ideology and invite other options for consideration? This is the basis for change. It is the very foundation of innovation. Logic says every step should lead toward your goal. A misstep is a mistake. I disagree. We learn more from mistakes than victories. Sometimes, a wrong can expose us to an better right. It takes courage to step away from the security of our beliefs.

Identification is a foundation for ideology. We label ourselves and our communities to reassure our sense of belonging. This is us. Everything else is them. We are right. They are not right. Our perceived inclusion excludes, and in many instances, devalues everyone else and their opinions. Segmented communities enable participants to feel safe or strong. Ultimately, however, each ideological community is distanced from the larger community. Our differences are reinforced by our ideological limitations.

Labels are limitations. Categorizing an individual by color, sex, religion or other descriptor is not, in my opinion, a sign of respect, but a recognition of differentiation that ultimately leads to separation, division, exclusion, resentment and implied limitations. Labels maintain focus on our differences, not our similarities.

Suspending our ideologies opens the door to overcome conflict. We may learn to appreciate and include others as true equals. We may realize we are ALL people of many COLORS. WE can move beyond racism, sexism, and ageism to a society of humanism.

Ideology - Sculpture by Chas Martin

"Ideology" by Chas Martin – Click to explore interactive 3D version

Bust of York appears in Mt. Tabor Park

York was born a slave to William Clark of Lewis & Clark fame. He crossed the continent to the Oregon coast as a full partner in the “Corps of Discovery” expedition. No images of him exist. Little about his life is known.

After dark on Friday, February 19, 2021, a sculptor from Portland, Oregon (who has chosen to remain anonymous for now) installed a monumental bust of York in Mt. Tabor Park. It was mounted on the pedestal previously occupied by Harvey Scott, a post-Civil War editor of The Oregonian. The sculpture of Scott was removed by protestors last fall.

Several things about this appearance of York are worthy of note. First, it was a totally stealth operation. The artist created and installed the sculpture without permission, permits, or sanctions by the City of Portland, Parks and Recreation or anyone else. Second, the sculpture honors a Black American which only a small portion of public sculptures do. Third, it is an exceptionally well rendered bust.

I salute the unknown artist for his courage and commitment. It is no small project to mount a 40” bust on an existing 9’ pedestal and include a plaque – all done under the cover of darkness.

Adena Long, Director of Portland Parks & Recreation, described the sculpture as "a complete surprise," but says that if the monument is determined safe for public viewing, it will remain in place, at least temporarily. (OregonLive)

That’s a smart decision considering the impact Black Lives Matter protests had on Portland last year.

This project is, in my opinion, art of the highest order. The artist, seeking no one’s permission, responds to opportunity with an elegant piece honoring a remarkable person and installs it in a highly visible location. Congratulations whoever you are. I would love to meet you!

Installation of York in Mt.Tabor Park, Portland

Curiosity is a magnet

The primary tool of any artist is curiosity. I fill sketchbooks with explorations of ideas using the thread of “What if?” as my curiosity trigger.

When invited to contribute to an article about the essential feature of a home studio, I couldn’t resist. I moved out of my home studio almost 8 years ago when we downsized. But, for most of my life, I did have a studio at home. So, I also had a few thoughts. Mostly, I was curious to see what other artists considered essential. The contributors created an interesting list of options. Now that the home office is truly a thing, these suggestions by experienced “work from home” artists may be helpful.

Take a look at the article by Ryan Castillo @redfin. It’s short and full of insights.

Masks of the Spirit World

My first masks were enlarged faces of some of my sculptures. I wanted to expand their size and impact. While the faces of the sculptures were only 2-3” high, the masks were scaled to life size. When you stare at a mask on human scale, it stares back.

Masks are an ancient art form. It’s something we all experience as kids. As an adult, they have a different effect on us. Creating one, that effect is even more revealing. The magic of a mask is its ability to either disguise the wearer or amplify a quality within us.

In my previous career as an art director, I realized early that images we hold in our mind’s eye can manifest themselves in the material world. Mask making is a pathway from imagination to reality.