Profile Story

Art is theoretical and beautiful, abstract and elusive, an expression of self creativity and imagination. For many art is a language, a form of communicating consisting of many accents and dialects, scattered in hues of neon. To help navigate me through this chaotic decoupage of inspiration and invention, I have turned to my brother, Robert Chiamulera, an avid art theorist, and a senior art student at the University of Maine. It was my hope that he could enlighten me in regards to what exactly art is, and the methods and intentions behind its creation.
My journey to artistic enlightenment began in the basement of Carnegie Hall, long after traditional operating hours had ended. As I observed and inquired throughout the night, the basic principles of the artist began to unveil.
We sat at a metal table; Rob was shading in a sketch of two hands holding a coin. Curious, I asked him what exactly he was working on. “A cooper print, using an aqua tint”, he responded. A project he no doubt put off to the last minute, as he was still in the initial stages of sketching the print on paper, which would later be transferred and carved out of a copper plate. I began to wonder if procrastination was a driving force behind his inspiration and artistic work ethic. I soon found out procrastination is a symptom of restricted creativity, the inability to create and do as you please with your art; a response based on the constrictions of an art class. Basically you are being forced to complete a particular project, not always to your own aesthetic, resulting lackluster enthusiasm and effort. Two things that are essential for an artist’s creative spirit.
Sometime in-between pencil strokes he revealed his perspective on the art community. “The art world is very snooty, someone could paint a red dot and people would praise it”. This idea of a possible social hierarchy in the art community reminded me of a quote fashion designer Marc Jacobs said in his documentary “Marc Jacobs and Louis Vuitton”, “I have always felt intimidated by the art world”, Jacobs said “in the creative hierarchy, the art world is up at the top and fashion is down at the bottom”. When asked what he thought of this particular quote, Rob responded “This quote shows the snobbery and elitist effect some artist can portray. All art is as important as everyone else’s, whether it be a painting done by some famous dead guy, a comic book, or a coat, all art is self contained and meaningful”. As he elaborated further he began to get into his own art theory. He explained that “art is the ability to evoke emotion. Creativity and art comes naturally, it is the skills you have to work on. Creativity you can’t help, it is just there, as for the technical skills you have to work at them like any skill. Art isn’t being able to draw something realistically or perfect, it is more important to have your art fit the concept in your mind than to draw something pretty. It is more than just painting; you mix your materials with a concept to establish your vision”.
As I followed him throughout the night, he began the process of transferring the paper sketch to the copper plate using a strong acid. The dots began to connect and the picture began to take shape. Art is a form of self expression a medium in which a artist can directly or indirectly transcend his or her values into society. I found it interesting that it was actually more important for art to carry a meaning or purpose with it than to actually be visually appealing. This idea that concept and context is superior to visual interest is one that is often over looked by outsiders of the art community.
Inspiration is vast and can vary among all artist. I found that Rob is mostly inspired by people and their personality and moods. He will create characters in his own work based off of people he observes or knows firsthand. He can also be inspired by more abstract concepts such as light and configuration. He says that his definition of success if not necessarily fame or self-fulfillment exclusively but to have people view his work and become inspired.
Slightly manic and pressed for time, Rob runs his cooper plate and places it in a airbrush station. This piece he is working on now may not be his shining achievement in his portfolio, but the heart of an artist cannot be fooled. Clearly he has what is most important; a drive and knowledge of his craft, theoretically and technically. I believe I have found the answer to my original inquires. Art is more than color and texture, feel and approach; it is the essence of the artist himself. It is his visual interpretation of a everything he stands for or stands against.