Coincidence or synchronicity. When Amy Winehouse died, her “face” was due to be made, according to my working schedule for that week. I was making 100 Urban Faces for a group exhibition I would take part in that year.
While working her into the clay, I couldn’t help but feel sad about a life of such talent and how human nature in all its beauty also has a terrible self-destroy button. At one point I muttered “oh, Amy!” and so I named this piece.
Later on that year, right before the official opening of the group show, she was the first “face” of this series to be sold. Three minutes later, while I was looking to place the red dot, another collector wanted to buy it too. The two had a bit of a conversation.
I was thrilled and thankful, but also surprised and I have to admit, the thrill turned into a bit of disappointment. Why Amy? I didn’t regard her as my most moving face. What’s with choosing normal people? I forgot all about these feelings as other faces found their way to new homes though. The show had been a success.
It just happens that people and their expressions move me deeply. The beauty in everyday people is poetry for me.
But it’s not and was never about me at all.
As an artist and as a person, you are often confronted with what you have in your mind and what is actually perceived by others.
For me, this is eye-opening and very interesting indeed.
I guess we all have a thing for stardust.
Talking about stardust… Woody Allen is still available.
Find out more about serendipity and the ceramic wall sculpture series “100 Urban Faces”
+ (Note: The 100 Urban Faces series of wall sculptures are available. For details, please contact me at art@atamayka.com) +