Sir Madog So, where are we now in this discussion? Some say model railroading is a fine art and some don´t think it is - the point for either view remains to prove. The question, what makes art into art, is a cultural thing. At this end of the Big Pond, the term art sees a much more restrictive use and is usually attributed only to the classic fields of art - painting, sculpturing, music and, to a lesser degree, architecture. No one here would think of model railroading being a form of art, although a well built layout has a lot in common with a sculpture. I understand that there is a much more liberal use of the word art in the US. It is quite OK for me if you call model railroading a fine art - for me, it´ll remain a fine craft.
So, where are we now in this discussion?
Some say model railroading is a fine art and some don´t think it is - the point for either view remains to prove.
The question, what makes art into art, is a cultural thing. At this end of the Big Pond, the term art sees a much more restrictive use and is usually attributed only to the classic fields of art - painting, sculpturing, music and, to a lesser degree, architecture. No one here would think of model railroading being a form of art, although a well built layout has a lot in common with a sculpture.
I understand that there is a much more liberal use of the word art in the US. It is quite OK for me if you call model railroading a fine art - for me, it´ll remain a fine craft.
I completely agree with Ulrich.
In my opinion model railroading fallis into the craft category.
My sister-in-law won a second prize at a stste fair for doll making but she didn't think of it as art.
Some layouts seen on this forum are outstanding and we modlers would describe them as a work of art, but that doesn't make it so in the eyes of "the man on the street".
Just my 2 cents worth!
Bob
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Don't Ever Give Up
Over the weekend, we took our daughter out to a fine Italian restaurant in Portland, Maine. Portland is one of those small hotbeds of great food, served in intimate settings at reasonable prices. As one who takes a broad view of what qualifies as "art," I would include the chefs, as well as the vintners in Italy who produced the nice wines we had. And, "blessed are the cheesemakers," as Monty Python so amusingly misunderstood in The Life of Brian.
To me, maybe art is just taking somewhat ordinary things and turning the amps up to 11 when you do them.
It takes an iron man to play with a toy iron horse.
The point is easy.....in my original post I spoke about discovering on line, Nick Muff's incredible layout. I suggested that he and several other really good modelers...had they been painters or sculptors, would have their works displayed in museums and galleries around the globe. I am not sure that model railroading as seen by the public recognizes how truly gifted these artisans are.
When I was doing painting, sketching, and murals, I was almost well known and possibly respected... at least in my area. Now I'm known as "the nut in the basement". But I would not change a *** thing!!
Of course the fellow who sets up his Tyco train set on a used ping pong table backed with some ready to plant structures .....is he a fine artist?......but who is to say that he is not, as to him this may be his art as it is within the beholder.
As mentioned by others, I covered this subject in my book, but this very issue came up with me just recently and my interest in the subject was renewed.
HZ
MisterBeasley Over the weekend, we took our daughter out to a fine Italian restaurant in Portland, Maine. Portland is one of those small hotbeds of great food, served in intimate settings at reasonable prices. As one who takes a broad view of what qualifies as "art," I would include the chefs, as well as the vintners in Italy who produced the nice wines we had. And, "blessed are the cheesemakers," as Monty Python so amusingly misunderstood in The Life of Brian. To me, maybe art is just taking somewhat ordinary things and turning the amps up to 11 when you do them.
Have fun with your trains
That must be art, because it can't possibly be anything else.
vsmith Well just to muddle things up a bit, this is a 10' tall ball of trains called "Medusa's Head" by artist Chris Burden, I've seen this, while it couldnt run it was astonishing to walk around and look at. So here is at least one bonifide example of model trains used as fine art.
A true ball of spaghetti layout.
Paul
ONR FANNothing really to be confused about. I'm restoring a Century home and I'm paying experienced people to help me with it. I'm doing the dirty work and anything that I am capable of. Trust me it would take a life time if someone did this on their own. I'm 3 years into this project and I figure I will be finished in another 2.
Good luck - it's a monumental task! My wife and I did most of the restoration work on our own NJ home - spent about 10 years on it. Like you, we got help where we needed it, and once because it was cheaper to hire someone than to buy the materials and do it ourselves - fiberglass insulation installation. In the end I got transferred to SC and we had to hire contractors to finish the work, or it would have been another two or three years at least.
How's the layout building going during your renovation efforts? (no, I'm not being a smart-whatever). I was building a layout as we worked on the house, but it was very slow going.
Mark P.
Website: http://www.thecbandqinwyoming.comVideos: https://www.youtube.com/user/mabrunton
I don’t think we would want our modeling to be “Fine Art” as it is currently understood. It doesn’t “challenge” the viewer, or disturb them, or make them uncomfortable. (If your modeling does you may want to consider a new hobby)
What we are trying to do is evoke images and feelings from the real world, sometimes of things gone before our birth. The best of us do manage to do that and are definitely art, possibly fine art by the old definition of the 17th century. Feel free to make a list of who has managed that.
Brunton How's the layout building going during your renovation efforts? (no, I'm not being a smart-whatever). I was building a layout as we worked on the house, but it was very slow going.
I'm getting a lot of help on the layout too. The basement was finished renovation wise so I just needed to figure out the space I wanted. Once I decided on the size my friend Dave (TA462) and some of his friends came over and built a wall to close off my train room, installed a drop ceiling, installed a door and built my benchwork. Of course I helped, lol. Most of the track is now installed too. These guys are part of a round robin group but they have been spending their time over the last couple months helping me. One of the guys, Gerald told me we are going to get you up and running but the scenery will be all me. They are going to show me how to do things but they are going to leave me on my own for the most part. If I need help they will be there to help. Its great to have a good bunch of guys to be there for me when I need it.
LensCapOn Feel free to make a list of who has managed that.
Compare the paintings of Norman Rockwell with the modeling of George Selios on his Franklin and South Manchester. When I was a boy, the Rockwell paintings were new, and graced the covers of the Saturday Evening Post. Now, they evoke the same kind of memories as the F&SM, of a simpler time that was nevertheless vibrant and alive.
Edward Hopper painted "Nighthawks:"
and John Armstrong modeled it:
MisterBeasleyNow, they evoke the same kind of memories as the F&SM, of a simpler time that was nevertheless vibrant and alive.
I don't know why but,some of those structures on F&SM remains me of "Sweethaven" in the movie "Popeye"..
Larry
Conductor.
Summerset Ry.
"Stay Alert, Don't get hurt Safety First!"