Joseph Cornell, Artist
Ranked #15,583 in Arts & Design, #316,278 overall
American Artist, Sculptor, Filmmaker
This humble little lens shares a few web resources, links to exhibitions, and books about the life and art of Joseph Cornell, the man who made altered art boxes long before the rest of us thought of them.
Why I Made This Lens
No, I'm not the biggest fan or the longest fan, but I'm definitely a fan.
I suppose I had seen Joseph Cornell's images over the years, and certainly felt his influence but I didn't consciously seek to learn about this American artist and his work, and thereby his profound influence on American art, until I took a class with Keith LoBue at the OFFCenter Community Arts Studio a few years ago. Keith talked about his transitions to his current assemblage art/jewelry and the inspiration and influence of Joseph Cornell.
Recently, of course, with the big Joseph Cornell show travelling to some key US spots (see the Peabody-Essex link below), there has (thankfully) been a resurgence of and expanded interested in his work.
Just a few weeks ago, while browsing in a local bookstore, I found a hardback book, apparently from a series of small format art books, on Josph Cornell, and picked it up. I chose this one from a couple of others because it went into more biographical info, while still showing plenty of images.
I stuffed it into the pouch behind my driver's seat and forgot about it until I had to spend a long night in the ER with my kid (don't worry, he's fine). The good news was, I got to read the book from cover to cover, and savor every image. It was such an enjoyable read, and the images so lovely, that I'd like to recommend it, even though it's out of print. Look down below, in my list of Amazon books, for the bright blue cover entitled The Essential Joseph Cornell by Ingrid Schaffner.
Recently, of course, with the big Joseph Cornell show travelling to some key US spots (see the Peabody-Essex link below), there has (thankfully) been a resurgence of and expanded interested in his work.
Just a few weeks ago, while browsing in a local bookstore, I found a hardback book, apparently from a series of small format art books, on Josph Cornell, and picked it up. I chose this one from a couple of others because it went into more biographical info, while still showing plenty of images.
I stuffed it into the pouch behind my driver's seat and forgot about it until I had to spend a long night in the ER with my kid (don't worry, he's fine). The good news was, I got to read the book from cover to cover, and savor every image. It was such an enjoyable read, and the images so lovely, that I'd like to recommend it, even though it's out of print. Look down below, in my list of Amazon books, for the bright blue cover entitled The Essential Joseph Cornell by Ingrid Schaffner.
Good Web Resources
Biographies, Images, Interactivity and Even Some Downloads
Visit the links below to find out more about Joseph Cornell.
- Joseph Cornell at Wikipedia
- Some non-public domain images and one that is not copyrighted, biographical background, and links to more web resources.
- Joseph Cornell: Navigating the Imagination
- A must-see interactive site! Build by the Peabody-Essex Museum. Experience Cornell's work, click to launch a few surprises, and don't forget to print out your own word tower.
- Artchive
- A brief bio and many, many images.
- The Joseph Cornell Box
- Another must-see site. You can read about Cornell's life and work, tour his art, download Cornell-inspired wallpapers and print out clip art.
Why I Like Joseph Cornell's Work
A few things I admire and aspire to
- SIMPLICITY His compositions are well ordered and not overcluttered like so much of today's Cornell-derivative altered art and assemblage. This simplicty leads to a clarity of design, accessibility for the viewer.
- WHOLENESS (for lack of a better word). His figures are whole and complete. So much collage and assemblage today features chopped up, hacked off figures (maybe a sign of the times?). Cornell's work doesn't distort the human body or fragment the human experience. This is a quality I've come to admire in such a few modern artists.
- SUBTLETY Cornell's work is not about shocking the viewer, nor does it contain a hint of disrespect. It is delicate in the way its meaning is conveyed. I admire his ability to pull this off without the work appearing weak.
- PURPOSEFULLNESS (Is that a word?) Cornell is quite deliberate in his choices. Whereas much of today's similar genre seems to cultivate anonymity, a careful amiguity or avoidance of communicated meaning distinctly (with exceptions, of course), Cornell has something to say. There is meaning to everything and relationship among everything. Nothing is random or anonymous. If you look closely, and think about why he's chosen this or that, there is always an answer.
- COMMITMENT I may be reaching here, but what inspires me personally about Cornell is that he has made a lifetime's worth of art about the things he really cares about. The things he loves, desires, aches for. His art elevates us, because of that.
Look for books about Joseph Cornell on Amazon
More books about Joseph Cornell's art
Other Joseph Cornell Products at Amazon
Postcards, Interactive Boxes, and other fun stuff featuring Joseph Cornell's art
Joseph Cornell Books on eBay
Sing My Guestbook
Share you comments and feedback about this lens. Let me know about a link you want to share. Tell us how Joseph Cornell's art has influenced you!
Share you comments and feedback about this lens. Let me know about a link you want to share. Tell us how Joseph Cornell's art has influenced you!
by marytafoya
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