VALERI:
In general, we believe that we are much bolder and braver in our own homes—or at least in the places we consider home—defending our property just as animals defend theirs. But in reality, animals do not have property. They have territory, and for animals, territory does not signify land ownership, but rather a mode of mobilizing activity. It implies a high level of mobilizing the signs that express relationships. (Aleksei Turovski, *On Animals, with Love*)
In this passage, the word “animal” could just as easily be replaced by “artist.” My creative method relies on a process of unfolding—of interacting with the material while guided by preliminary sketches. It is impossible to plan the final result in advance; it is a creative process. This is my territory, where clarity emerges only when the work is complete. This time, I am creating a series of small-format three-dimensional works. *On Artists, with Love.*
ANNE:
A well-known naturalist once asked me, “What do you want to say with your work?”
We were standing before the remains of a large cake. I took a knife and traced a wide circle through the picturesque chaos, separated a tiny wedge, and said, “This is exactly how much I can say about my work.”
He stood there in bewilderment for a moment, then a mischievous spark of recognition lit up his eyes. No words were needed.
Art without objects is naked art; having embraced this world and its methods, a realm opens up that holds a greater world within it—a space for play that knows no boundaries.
