Ephemera in art.

Art can be a source of insight about self and society. Some art encourages us to think about the world differently, especially when the work challenges what we see or believe to be true. That is, many people believe that valuable art is only found in museums and galleries. But, a type of art not typically found in a museum is ephemeral art, because ephemeral art is created to last for only a few days, hours, or even minutes. Sometimes the evidence that an ephemeral work existed at all is in a photograph or a written record or a videotape.

What is special about ephemeral art? Ephemeral artwork raises questions about the relationship of permanence and value of art. Does art have to be permanent in order to be meaningful or important to people? Comparing artwork that is made to last a king time to artwork that is temporary makes me wonder if artists approach making art with different processes in mind or if people who are looking at the art see the two types differently. To answer these questions, let us reflect on the contrasting natures of permanence and ephemeral in both creating art and viewing art. To help think about these different qualities, let me share the art process that I have when making art using metals that will last for a long time in contrast to the temporary nature of the beautiful yet short-lived chalk drawings of United Kingdom street artist, Julian Beever. As an artist working with metal sculpture and computer images to create jewelry and intricate boxed books, I am sensitive to art-making materials and processes. I am aware of transforming simple sheets of metal into complex structures as a challenge that requires care and focus. Creating art with metal is a vivid sensory experience--bending and welding pieces of sterling silver, brass, or copper to construct a hinged box, which is demanding on muscles. The smell of sanded and chemically-treated metal fills the work studio. I hear rhythmic music when I am sawing and hammering.

After shaping, constructing, and polishing one of my sculptures or when I see someone wearing a piece I have created, I wonder how long this object will exist in the world and if it will have significance for others in the future. However, while the metal object may endure for many years and may be meaningful to someone, I hold onto the special memories of making the artwork. The metal object will likely have a long existence, while the act of creating the works is short-lived. However, the process is valuable for it brings a unique and vivid experience to my world.

[ILLUSTRATION OMITTED]

Julian Beever is an artist known for his ephemeral art, using chalk to create vibrant and life-like scenes on city streets and sidewalks all over the world. His pavement art features the technique of trompe l'oeil, a method of rendering that tricks the eye and mind into seeing

an image as real. For example, Beever's images appear so life-like that some people have swerved in order to avoid the ...