by Marcella Ortega
Daily Lobo
When artist Paul Bartlett RÇ graduated from Cal Tech with a degree in physics, he decided to express the beauty of science through art.
"On the outside, the transition from science to art was a dramatic transition," he said. "Internally, there is a great similarity - at least with the work I do. It was a fairly smooth progression internally."
RÇ's work will be put into the permanent collection at Jonson Gallery throughout 2007. His collection and estate will go to the gallery after his death. In addition, RÇ has established a peace prize through the gallery. He said anyone affiliated with UNM - students, faculty and staff - is eligible for the prize.
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The nominees do not have to be artists, but their work needs to promote peace and harmony through creativity and dedication.
"This aspect of Paul's work is extremely intriguing and really exciting," said Chip Ware, Jonson Gallery curator.
Ware said RÇ's work will add an extra dimension to the gallery.
"He and (Raymond) Jonson, as an aside, are very similar in terms of their outlook and their understanding of what art can do," Ware said. "Since they are highly spiritual individuals, they believe that art is, or can be, a means toward a personal and social salvation. Jonson himself believed it wasn't necessary to exhibit the work - it was the artist's energy and intention that went into the work that mattered. It's establishing a positive force in the world, and that force will continue to exist after the work is finished, and it will continue to exert its influence whether it's shown or not."
RÇ said he is donating his estate to the gallery because Jonson was a friend of his. They met in 1977, and were both interested in promoting harmony through their work.
"I think Raymond is pleased. His spirit is pleased to be having my works there," RÇ said. "He and Georgia O'Keeffe both gave me personal encouragement in my work. This is a continuation of our friendship, and I think it's a really good setting for it."
RÇ said he makes several forms of art, such as sculptures and drawings. He has also made artwork for the blind to experience through touch.
He said his biggest reward is when people are moved by his work.
"In all the things that I have experienced in life, first, in doing my work, I feel just an incredible feeling of connection to life, and in following through with that, it's so good to share it with people," he said. "When people feel that connection, they also feel not only very uplifted, but very peaceful, and I think it's just a very constructive, positive thing. I think it's really what life is supposed to be all about. So, sharing it with others is sort of completing the creative process."
The Paul Bartlett RÇ Peace Prize is intended to further the work of the recipient or to create direct executions or new interpretations of peace and harmony from RÇ's designs or writings.
Possible projects for the consideration of nominees:
-Environmental
-Individual or social healing
-Integrative medicine
-Sustainable energy or green
architectural design
-Art creation or preservation
-Human population control
-Family planning
-Conflict resolution or
prevention
The award will be a monetary stipend, a framed artwork certificate created by RÇ and a signed, numbered and specifically inscribed copy of his book The Dance of the Pencil.
For more information and a nomination form, visit
Unm.edu/~Jonsong
