DON SCHOL

VIETNAM REMEMBRANCES

Artist's Statement

It is not my desire or intent to illustrate random moments from my memory of the Vietnam experience. There are so many good photographs out-there, which already do that so well. My intent, and perhaps my challenge, is to somehow symbolize those essential experiences, which characterize the universal nature of the Vietnam experience for everyone, veteran and non-veteran alike. As is true with my art in general, I strive to stand for “everyman” in the midst of life’s experiences. It is my hope that what I say through my images will speak for that “everyman” in a meaningful way.

I have chosen to deliver my symbolic messages through the medium of the woodcut print, since it epitomizes the stylistic look of my artistic convictions and my artistic heritage, German Expressionism. The emphasis of such imagery focuses on the emotional response to existential moments rather than the intellectually reasoned response.

The Expressionist’s mentality, if not totally emotional, is in part indicative of a philosophical stance best represented by the Existentialist’s mindset.  This mentality expresses a certain angst at the thought of possible non-existence, either environmentally, self imposed, or otherwise. For me this existential preoccupation is precipitated by an awareness of the fragile nature of our lives, and to some extent our naiveté at what we are truly able to do to control our ultimate physical destiny. This worldview can bring on an overwhelming “aura of dread.”  To help temper this psychological predicament, my work often incorporates an element of psychic distance in the form of metaphor, paradox, or sometimes irony designed to soften the sobering effects of the utter starkness of reality. (Don Schol, 02-23-09)