Whether we realize it or not, we are a society created by art but controlled by money. Throughout civilization, art has been the fuel for humanity, while money has been the carrot dangling before us. Both money and art have value to us, but only one is lasting. Without money we can't survive, yet without art we don't exist. As our Global Monetary system continues to crumble, it seems logical to reinvest some of the slipping currency into a format tested by time: Artwork.
Basic similarities between money and art:
1. Money is generated by working, so is art.
2. Civilizations that value money also value art.
Basic differences between money and art:
1. As a nation's debt increases, the value of its currency decreases.
2. As an artist gains notoriety, the value of their artwork increases.
Most people value money more than they value art, but which is more valuable?
Historically: Ancient coins are collectible by enthusiasts, Ancient mosaics are kept in museums.
Currently: The Money of today can be easily be turned into things, yet the Art of today is difficult to turn into money.
Who values art the most?
1. Those who want to influence great numbers of people. (ie. Pharoahs, Popes, Dictators, CEOs, etc.)
2. The artists themselves.
Who produces Art? An Artist.
Who produces Money? A Taxpayer.
Who needs Money? 1.an artist 2. the government
If the Government itself were to promote an artist turning money into artwork, they could increase the value of the artwork, and consequently their own tax revenue. An Artist turning Money into Art, selling it for more Money, and paying taxes on the profit could help invigorate the economy. MoneyMorphosism is Patriotic. MoneyMorphosism makes sense. I volunteer to be an artist for America.
Turning money into art:
1. Removes money from circulation, thus countering inflation.
2. Adds exponential value to the coins used, helping the economy.
3. Is cool.
I haven't thrown away a single particle, and all along I've had a plan for the final tiny remains.
From disintegrated currency I will create biological life. Nature itself will become intertwined within the vast web of economics we've spun...
Choosing not to ignore the urge to be an artist is a gamble.
Life is risky enough when you play by the rules, and being an artist breaks them all.
In order to stack the cards, an artist must become a Jack of many trades.
Life deals a certain amount of opportunities itself, the rest is up to you.
Making art, like gambling, is addictive.
Unlike gambling, however, there is no "helpline" for those addicted to making art.
Winning the game of art takes skill as well as luck.
I want to win. My newest project spans an entire year.
52 cards, 52 weeks, 52 auctions on Ebay. Each auction starts on Tuesday at noon Eastern.
As publicity builds, my theory is that the prices will rise. There will be no reserve price for any, and the bidding starts at 99 cents.
Aside from the first auction, the face of the card will not be revealed until the bidding has ended.
Each card is mounted in a sealed glass display unit, and will come with a signed certificate of authenticity. Each is handmade by Ted, from chopped American coins and epoxy.
I was promoting a new kind of artwork I had created to describe the election. This was the first time I had ever made a mosaic, and my medium was chopped coins.
This piece was shared heavily online, and I moved on to develop more work from the same materials. It's hard to believe the difference a year can make.
Now, after being stored privately for the last 12 months, I bring this historic piece of art back into the public arena, in the heart of Manhattan, to a new pub on the border of Chelsea and the West Village.
Closest train station is 14th St./6th Ave. (1-2-3-F-V-L)
The work, "Obama Vs McCain", will be on display indefinitely, as will "Wall St. Stop", which was the 2nd work I made using chopped coins.
It mimics the subway mosiacs in the city, and was built in reaction to the stock market crash last September.
Anybody in the NYC area should stop by, have a drink, and check out the art.
Basic similarities between money and art:
Most people value money more than they value art, but which is more valuable?
Who produces Art? An Artist.
