Technique in the craft sense is not art it is information. It is taught today, depending on the teacher.
Just about all the materials of the past are known. It is the methods of using them that make the difference. If there are secrets it is not with the materials of the masters but the methods of the masters. This combines craft, science and creativity.
The use of materials is a creative, inventive act. It greatly influences the final result.
I do not believe that there are totally forgotten techniques of the masters. Although few can do it, most techniques of the past can be copied and imitated.. Imitating the other aspects of the artists work is another matter.
All artists start out by imitating someone and go on to do their individual creation. Today for some reason many deny this but evidence shows otherwise. For better or worse, every artist innovates with the techniques he learns.
The reason for learning technique is simple. The only other choice is to attempt to rediscover it on ones own which would be a huge waste of time and effort. One doesn’t go to school to rediscover calculus or try to figure out the scales or harmony in music. Invention is adding to what is known and sometimes changing it.
Technique can be taught. Skill less so. Conception can be hinted at.
Skilled artists don’t have to resort to cult worship, excuses, Artspeak and a lot of luck.
Perhaps you share the silly idea that if one learns classical methods one is destined to do nothing more than repeat the past. This is Modern Academic nonsense propagated by five generations of teachers who because they lack knowledge and ability are forced to teach a creed instead of a craft.
Mani DeLi
Modern Academic Art is incompetence in search of an idea. ...no skill no art Tired of Modern Art? Check out my web page!
http://www.interlog.com/~hugod/
