E_conservation Survey

Are conservators artists by nature? Conservators are undoubtedly deeply interested in art but not necessarily artists themselves. Depending on personal belief, some think the creative touch is everywhere while others consider their artistic skills should be left outside their workshop. Many are the paths that took us to the conservation field, some of us, with strong background in art education, and others with none, except perhaps a personal artistic interest. We thought this topic would be interesting to discuss since in general, we are all curious to know more about our fellow conservators and we, at the magazine, about our readers in particular. We would like, therefore, to ask our readers to take a moment and to help us answer the question: Is the conservator an artist by nature? What is your specialisation? Archaeological objects / sites Architecture Ethnographic assets Furniture Historical Sites Metal Modern / Contemporary Art Mural Painting Music instruments Painting (any support) Paper / Graphic Documents Sculpture (any support) Photography Stone Textiles Tile / Ceramic / Glass Other Are you working at the present moment? Yes, in conservation.   Yes, in a conservation related field.   Yes, but not in conservation.   No, I am unemployed.   No, I retired.   I am still studying.   Does your educational background include Fine Arts studies? Yes, I graduated from a Fine Arts school (Secondary School, High School, Gymnasium or equivalent).   Yes, I graduated from a Fine Art University/College.   No, I have a scientific background.   No, my education is not related to the art field.   At what age did you become interested in conservation? | Apart conservation, do you create fine art works? Yes, I do.   No, I don’t, because ... If yes, what kind of art do you make? | Does the fact that you are a conservator influence the manner in which you work as an artist? Yes, part of my inspiration comes from my conservation practice.   Yes, I make copies after other artists, old masters, etc.   Yes. In what way? No, I don’t think my art is influenced by conservation.   I don’t know.   Being a conservator, do you pay extra care to the technique and materials that you use? Yes, I do.   Not really.   Who is/are your favorite artist(s)? | Is your work as an artist influenced by your favorite artist’s work? Yes, I think it is.   Maybe.   No, it isnt't.   Do you make public your own artworks? Yes, in exhibitions, art galleries, etc.   Yes, on the internet.   Yes but only to a close group (family, friends…)   No, I don't.   Do you make profit from them? Yes   No   Does your artist nature influence your work as a conservator? Yes. In what way? No, it doesn't.   I don’t know.   Do you think a conservator must constrain his/her artist nature in order to be a good professional? Yes, developing artistic skills may have a bad influence on conservation practice. In what way? Yes, the conservator can never operate on the object in a creative way.   Yes, artistic skills / talent have nothing to do with conservation.   No, but most part of our artistic tendencies should be repressed.   No, but creativity is useful in only in some situations. Which? No, I think conservation and artistic creation are closely connected.   No. By contrary, I think in order to be a good conservator you must have an artist nature.   Is there any special reason why you chose conservation? | Would you like if e_conservation magazine would open a new section dedicated to art made by conservators? Yes, it would be interesting to read.   No, I think it would not be appropriate.   VoteVoteResultsResults Thank you very much for your participation!