THE PRACTICE

Yesterday I presented my Disposable TV show to El Prof's class at SFAI. Many times over the years I've presented work in the cool, dark environ of STUDIO 9. Previously I would pack years of pieces into a slide projector and methodically click off the chronology to the projector's comforting mechanics and humming fan. But those were the old days. In a room of glowing Macs I didn't dare pull out the carosel. These days you better get to the point. And anyhow they don't even have a slide projector anymore. So I decided to concentrate on work since '05. And it being a video class, the DTV pieces were made to order.
El Prof has always been my life line to academia. He's tossed me a class or two, taken me to Havana to lecture at ISA and tried to keep me abreast of changes in the lexicon. Otherwise I'd be completely in the dark. Remember "Appropriation"? It's back. "Intervention"? Still viable. My work. That piece. The gaze. Etc. Etc. I can still speak the language. But then, as I was watching another artist present his work in another class i caught something I'd never heard before. This guy was referring to his "Practice". WHATTHEFUCK? Did I hear that correctly? There it was again. He was referencing his activity as an artist like a Doctor or lawyer would. For example "In my practice i go hunting, kill a deer, get it stuffed and hang it in the living room." Or "My practice provides the collector with a choice of tattoos from bloodprints or a sculpture made from turkey beards."
After a few drinks at the end of the day i brought this up with El Prof. He was a bit defensive and pratronizing of my ignorance regarding this shift in language. I'm the first to admit I'm out of it when it comes to any level of the art world these days. In NY it's all about the hype. I remember that much. But in the academic/biennal world it's all about globalization. You "produce" not "make". You have a "practice" not a "career". Call me old fashioned but this sounds forced and prentious to me. Like just wearing a suit and tie makes you a professional. I think, like a Dr. and Lawyer there should be a bar exam or medical board to certify one's art practice. Art students shouldn't be allowed to use that word in reference to their unproven activities. AND if you have a practice can there be malpractice if you do lousy work? It opens up a whole can of worms.
Don't get me wrong. I'm not against this language shift. But lets see if it sticks. If it does I'll be the first to hang out my shingle. CATSKILL MOUNTAIN ART PRACTICE- satisfaction guarenteed! Board certified since 1977. You've tried the rest. Now buy from the best. Bonded and insured.