The reason I really like 1000 Rings is because of its diversity, and because there are some REALLY BEAUTIFUL rings in it!
I’ll happily second that. Whatever I may think of some of the
entries in it the simple truth is that I’ve opened that book at least
100 times and I’m no where close to being finished with it yet. Like
Alan, every time I look I learn and that’s makes this book, and the
500 Broaches which I bought because I found 1000 Rings so worthwhile,
well worth the few dollars I paid for them.
As I read the replies to the original question coming in I see a
very good answer to that question: look at the debate it, and of
course the contents of the book, spark. Look at the thoughtful and
varied contributions it elicits from our fellow readers. Imagine how
many similar discussions have taken place around the world because of
this book. How often does that happen, never mind from something that
costs less than a good bicycle tire? If I was anyone associated with
that project, editor or contributor, I’d be pretty chuffed. Love the
individual items or not the book is obviously a job well done.
As to apologizing for being critical of some of those individual
contributions I’m a whole lot less enthusiastic. Back in my
university days I had a photography prof who used to say something
like “if you love it or hate it, it’s good art. It’s when you don’t
feel anything that it has failed.” Ok, it doesn’t sound quite like
quite the uniquely piercing insight that it did 25 years ago but I
think the point is still a worthy one.
I for one don’t believe there’s anything at all wrong with looking
at something and saying “WTF?!? Look at that piece of rubbish! How
dare they?”. As with so much modern art that may be exactly what the
artist intended, more or less and in one way or another, and insofar
as that goes they’d clearly done a good job.
As to whether you, me, or anyone else would actually pay money for
said object is probably missing the point by a pretty wide margin
but denying ourselves the right to be critical is detrimental to
everyone, artist and observer alike. To love, cherish and adore
everything equally is just as destructive in the end as it is to
hate, loath and despise everything equally. Real life is a meandering
journey back and forth between those two extremes and that’s a large
part of what makes it, and this book, so damned interesting!
Cheers,
Trevor F.
in The City of Light
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