Charles Ray

This guy is by far my favorite artist that I have had to read about. I am not an advocate for drugs, but it is almost humorous that he seems to be on some type of them in every piece that he discussed. The story of him as a little boy getting amnesia and wandering around the world for 2 weeks, almost makes me question its authenticity. Did something so dramatic really happen to him, or was he just on alot of drugs and got confused for a a little while?!? I often wonder what is really going on inside the head of a person who is altered. Does that really affect the way that the person thinks about art, like they have no good ideas without it?!? I wish I could find that source of inspiration and creativity without the use of those substances. I enjoy that he puts himself into so many pieces. He said that he wants to stir up peoples lives, not change them. I think that this concept is really fun. It is funny how when he made himself a clock that he lost track of his own time...hmm, says something?!? He also pushes the mode making himself a part of the work that would evoke that uncomfortable emotion in someone when they realize that his pieces may or may not be socially acceptable. I think that human form is natural and beautiful, and although his piece "oh, charlie, charlie, charlie" may be seen as erotic and pornographic..I find it very interesting. It is about something so common, and talked about among friends but when brought out in the open, uncomfortable for most. Does this artist create his art for himself or his viewers? I would say both. I think that it probably thrills him to get all of these reactions out of people