CAROLCOATES D I S S O N A N C E
"This book is dedicated to all who strive to live in the moment"
The "Dissonance Series" refers to a feeling state that results when something is simply out of sorts. I believe that our perception of reality and our choices in response to that reality are critical to how long a dissonant state might last. I admit that I have often been too slow to recognize what's wrong, to see possible solutions, and to risk change. I hope that this surreal and often quirky imagery will act as reminders of the power that we have to effect positive change and to feel compassion for our humanity. This is one of my lifelong series.
One of the earliest in the Dissonance Series refers to humanity's lack of vision and its suffering as a result of its blindness. A saying that influenced this work stated "The trouble with you is the trouble with me; we have two eyes but cannot see". "Judgment" received the Leonardo il Magnifico Award at the 2003 Florence Biennial "Judgment " - mixed media on canvas with mesh image overlay - 84"h x 84"w x 3"d
This piece is a visual tone poem. It implies a mindset of depression (the blues) and feeling out of sorts. It's one of five 7'x7' pieces done with a grant from the Michigan Art Council. "Blue Ruim" - mixed media on canvas with mesh image overlay - 84"h x 84"w x 3"d
This image refers to the discordant state of environmental affairs that became evident to me in the 70's and 80's. I have long thought that seeing and acknowledging a problem is the first step to solving it. "Epilogue I" - mixed media on board - 60"h x 60"w x 3"d
This crossover piece fits within both the Dissonance Series and the Contact Series. It was done with thoughts of how we choose to respond to crises. Seeking support and comfort in others is one possibility; another is to withdraw, to give up, or to self-destruct. "Epilogue II" - mixed media on stretched canvas - 60"h x 60"w x 2.5"d
At the center of our being, we have the answer. We know who we are and we know what we want. If we don't go after it, we'll never have it. If we don't ask, the answer will always be "no". If we don't step forward, we'll always be in the same place. Finding right answers, at times, feels impossible, believing that it is so, can immobilize. We must look both within and beyond and not give up. "Waiting II" - mixed media on board - 64"h x 48"w x 3"d
"We will not be punished for our anger; we will be punished by our anger." (the Buddha) Forgiveness doesn't mean that we excuse a crime. It just means that we're no longer willing to be its victim. Others may be catalysts prompting our anger, but we alone, maintain it. "Cranky" - mixed media on board - 64"h x 48"w x 3"d
We are not a product of our circumstance. We are a product of our decisions in response to our circumstance.. The only way for us to deal with apparent limitations is to become so absolutely free that our very existence is an act of rebellion. There is always a way to rise above. "Plumbabe III" - mixed media on board - 64"h x 48"w x 3"d
Better to be be damned by our honesty than caged by our lies. When we embrace the glorious mess that we are, we bring to the world something strangely and wonderfully unique. "Waiting III" - mixed media - 64"h x 48"w x 3"d
Sometimes there are limited choices, but when we can choose, we must accept the consequences. We must choose wisely, then choose how you respond to whatever happens next. And so it goes... "The Choice" - mixed media - 46"h x 34"w x 3"d
Desire and persistence can lead to achieving what seems impossible. What we desire may seem out of reach. There is a difference between desire and need. When we are not content, we want more. Is it possible that we already have everything we need? Are the answers always 'out there?" How do we perceive our reality? One of my favorite phrases... "Always, yet never, enough..." "The Key"- mixed media - 50"h x 40"w x 3"d
Directing our energy to self defense is a sure way to remain unhappy. Fear less. We must give our whole life and our whole spirit to 'blowing our horn' in spite of adversity. "Boy Blue" - mixed media on board - 50"h x 35"w x 3"d
There are times when we feel out of place and wonder how we'll ever find where we belong. "Fire and Ice" - mixed media on board - 21"h x 31"w x 3"d
The eyes are useless when the mind is blind. The only thing worse than being blind is having sight but no vision. This is the first of the "Mind's Eye Suite". The 'glasses' symbolize the lenses through which we choose to see and interpret the reality of what may well be a dissonant world. "Mind's Eye I" - mixed media - 34"h x 48"w x 3"d
If we look at the world through the eyes of a child, we will see magic and possibility in everything. I fabricated and photographed the 'glasses' for this series as well as for a future series related to thoughts about perception. I intend to include them in a large installation of fine art glass and metal work, and mixed media images. "Mind's Eye II" - mixed media - 34"h x 48"w x 3"d
Some of us see no reason to act our age or to look through the lens of convention. We see through the lens of adventure and possibility. Seeing the truth, while it first might put us off, will ultimately set us free. There is no illusion greater than fear. "Mind's Eye III" - mixed media - 34"h x 48"w x 3"d
We choose the lenses through which we perceive 'reality'. Cultural stereotypes, experience, empathy, compassion, anger, distrust, fear, expectation, love, lust, and hope are just a few of our options. "Mind's Eye IV" - mixed media - 34"h x 48"w x 3"d
Many of us face expectations, cultural and otherwise, that don't fit who we really are. Whether or not we choose to accommodate those expectations is our choice. Once again, we must decide who we are, what we want, and how we will deal with whatever happens in our lives. "Mind's Eye V" - mixed media - 34"h x 48"w x 3"d
Creating these images allows me to look at situations and consider my responses more objectively; often with detachment and compassion, I hope that seeing them will have a similar effect on you. You bring your experience and your chosen lenses to them. Some may effect you at a visceral level; others not. As a human being and an artist, I observe, interpret, and reflect. My concern for our conscious choices and their effects on the quality of our lives is paramount. I hope to raise questions and stimulate dialog that will lead to positive change.
Carol Coates, American Artist Born: Grand Haven, Michigan
Full Scholarship Pilchuck Glass School Washington State
Masters Degree Fine Arts University of Michigan
Acclaimed Artist Purchase Prize New Mexico Arts Santa Fe, New Mexico
Undergraduate BS Degree Western Michigan University
Selected Exhibitions/Representation Tansey Contemporary, Santa Fe, NM
Graduate level study: drawing, painting, photography, sculpture, metal smithing, ceramics, fine art glass, mixed media, and years of training and experience in both photo and digital imaging. Fine Art Faculty Artist in Residence Individual Artist Grants Michigan Art Council ArtServe Michigan Major Commissions Dow Chemical Company World Headquarters Public Art Mural District Court Midland, Michigan Leonardo il Magnifico Medal Florence Biennial Florence, Italy Inclusion: Warhol Invitational NMU Los Cruses, NM Website carolcoates.com
Evoke Gallery, Santa Fe, NM Lois Lambert Gallery, Los Angeles, CA Walker Fine Art, Denver, CO Sandy Carson Fine Art, Denver, CO Phillips Gallery, Sanibel, FL Aspen International Art, Aspen, CO theEdge Gallery, Santa FE, NM Florence Biennial, Florence, IT Tadu Contemporary, Santa Fe, NM UICA, Grand Rapids, MI Saginaw Art Museum, Saginaw, MI Battle Creek Center for the Arts, MI Midland Center for the Arts, MI Studio 23, Bay City, MI Northwood Gallery, Midland, MI Note: All images in this book are subject to copyright law and may only be copied or reproduced with written permission from Carol Coates or her legal representative.