Interview with Mr. Grava

I interviewed Mr. Grava via email and he told me some interesting opinions about art. The following interview was conducted through email. 

Why do you think art is important to the world? 

Art is important because it is people’s ability to express themselves subjectively. Good art comes from within. There is no right or wrong in artistic expression. Art defines culture, brings people together, inspires people, and helps us see that we are more alike than we think.

What is your favorite form of art and why?

I am a huge fan of visual art. It is always there in our sight and in our minds. Visual art provokes thought and emotion and can influence how we feel about a subject.   

What do you hope that students will learn from your class?

I hope students will learn the joy of finding time to work creatively. The creative process is incredibly important to maintain a healthy emotional balance in life. It helps us connect to who we are without outside influence.

What is your favorite part of being an art teacher?

I love teaching the process to people and watching the creative energy take over once they allow themselves to engage with it. With the tools set in place, magic can happen! 

Who are your favorite artists and how do they impact your work?

Shaoji Hamada – Japanese potter; Peter Voulkos – American ceramic abstract expressionist; Claude Monet – French impressionist painter. They all work with a process-based approach to their art. The material and its response to a technique is a big part of the aesthetic. It’s a bit of a symbiotic relationship between the artist and the material. This brings life to the artwork which makes it rich. 

What is a piece of art that you are working on right now?

Right now I am working on the perfect coffee cup. A beautiful, functional object to set you off on your day is priceless.

What is a piece of art that you are most proud of?

I have a large 40 lb. jar in my yard that came through an amazing wood firing with a surface that I could never reproduce. It is a galaxy of information imparted on the surface of one of my favorite jar forms on a large scale. It was the diamond in the rough.