“After enduring a childhood full of biblical prophesies, I can’t shake the belief that humanity is doomed, that individuals are predisposed to struggle with their immortality, and that it will all end in a grand horrific event. Conversely, I have abandoned the notion that we will all get what we deserve in the end; either this wretched world followed by fiery hell, or this satisfactory world of temporary examination followed by eternity in paradise. Because I don’t believe those things, I can be amused instead of terrified. I am astonished by how humanity is both awesome and awful.
This body of work is made in amusement. I use the most historied medium known to make objects that look like our world’s vacated marks of human existence — the unearthed artifacts. This apocalyptic prediction is certainly not original. It is simply a record of my marks made on down-scaled, familar looking ceramic constructions while reveling in our demise.”
Denny Gerwin, an upcoming ceramic artist, wrote this as his artist statement. I found it to be quite stunning; written very well and from the heart. When you observe his artwork you definitely see the connection of his statement to his work. His creations look apocalyptic; humanity in it’s final hours. I find it amazing how each piece look so believable. When I see them they make me feel lonely, empty and distraught. To imagine this world becoming nothing but a wasteland is frightening, yet perhaps an inevitable possibility. That greatly shows in Denny’s artwork. Regardless, of anyone’s beliefs, you must admit he is a talented artist with a great hand at writing. Personally, I like to believe in a better place after death, but even if that is true the earth will still lose it’s liveliness someday.
If people continue in a downward spiral then it will be no surprise that everything will crumble beneath us. With war, hate, greed, the thirst for power and many other negative feelings, humanity will fall apart. Perhaps, instead of looking at Denny’s artist statement as just dark and depressing, we should delve deeper into what it’s saying. If we really consider his words, then maybe we can learn to change from them. What I mean is we should try to be better because of it. Since there is so many truths to what he has to say, we should take that as encouragement to try and prove him wrong. At least, humans should try to be better and try to get along. If the world tried to unite as much as possible, then maybe when the world does end, we’ll at least be able to say we did the best we can…
About Art and Artists 