Blog Post #23: Intensification

There are many vantage points from which to consider “Serenity.” From the cultural and historical contexts to the numerous rhetorical strategies utilized there is a lot to take into consideration. But there are some other ways to conceptualize “Serenity,” that are very important also.

To better understand “Serenity,” it is well to understand the object it represents, which in this case is the human form. The sculptor, Saul Baizerman, spent much of his career sculpting the human form, especially the female body. And while it is not entirely clear whether “Serenity,” is based on a male or female, the sculpture seems to have some more distinctly feminine characteristics. It is well known by virtually all people that the female form is generally softer and rounder, while the male form is straighter and has fewer curves. Even though there is no face, no genitals, and no real way to determine whether or not “Serenity’s” form is supposed to be male or female, due to the softer curves and rounder body, it is possible to deduce that the form is most likely female. That determination gives insight into the object that “Serenity,” represents.

To fully comprehend “Serenity,” it is also well to consider it as an art object. The sculptor, Saul Baizerman, put everything that he had into every piece, to make each one a true work of art. He described his own process, “How do I know when a piece is finished? When it has taken away from me everything I have to give. When it has become stronger than myself. I become the empty one, and it becomes the full one. When I am weak and it is strong, the work is finished.” Considering “Serenity,” in this manner, as a true piece of art created with everything the sculptor had to offer, gives the work credibility and merit.

Finally, we must consider “Serenity,” as an intensification and extension of the natural environment in which it resides. “Serenity,” is made of copper, which of course is a natural element. When found naturally in nature, copper is not traditionally seen as art, or viewed in an artistic manner. But the sculptor was also able to take the natural element, copper, and turn it into something completely different. By shaping the copper and hammering it so that it has a steel-like strength, gives the natural elements a new life. Thus, the fact that the sculptor took a natural element and made it into art allows “Serenity,” to be viewed as an extension of the natural environment.

Viewing “Serenity,” as a part of the object it represents, as an art object, and as an extension of the natural world, allows the audience to experience the work in a new way as well as gain new perspectives.