6 - Sara Coomes - Originality

Originality can be useful in art because it creates a sensation.  Something original is bound to intriguing even if people don't necessarily like it.  But I think that a work of art doesn't always need originality in that sensational way.  Warren MacKenzie is an artist who creates affordable, functional ceramics meant for everyone.  His ceramic work is meant to be used, handled, and is often created in sets.  Even though his cups might look alike, they are each an individual creation, but the set is more important.  So even though his art is original because he makes it every time and it's inevitably a little different each time, originality isn't the main point of his artwork.  I think because his work is a direct product of his hands it is authentic.  Because he relies less on originality and more on function and quantity of his pots, he has a large audience and it isn't just people in the high brow art world, it's everyday folks.  I think originality can make brilliant pieces of art but originality isn't the only condition for valuable art.