Explaining art

Aug 26, 2017
2 min read

My husband and I argued last night. I know it sounds like silly couple troubles but it wasn't. First, we never argue, second we never discuss art. Last night we discussed art. My husband is a logical thinker. He doesn't really understand surrealism much less something like an abstract (good thing that's not my bag). I am currently working on a series entitled "A Century in Paint". Specifically, the discussion/argument was to do with the representation of the 1940s. Okay, so most would agree that the most significant thing about the 1940s was the end of WWII. At present, I have a skull painted in with a grey background. My idea is to finish this with poppies. I remember well the art history lessons on symbolism and am a fan of the Da Vinci Code so this isn't crazy. My husband on the other hand felt strongly that I needed to throw in a tank or a luger or something to that effect. That my friends is when the argument started....

What my husband did not understand (as is true for many that are outside of the art field) that there is a difference between fine art and illustration. As a fine artist, I want to convey a feeling. I don't like to be explicit in my paintings, I like to give the viewer an opportunity to come up with their own conclusions. To me, a skull with poppies was more than enough explanation. In addition, it allows the viewer to interpret the experience. I think that's important. If I spell out that there was a tank, and a battle, and people died, is it really art now? I don't know I guess it really depends on the artist. Either way, from my point of view the idea of adding elements to spell out the painting was pushing me to be an illustrator. Don't get me wrong: god bless the illustrators. Their job is to take the guess work away and to show you more or less what you should feel or think. They have a tough job! I can't imagine anyone questioning that. One of my art teachers was an illustrator and she would give us assignments like "illustrate the taxation of retirement funds". God love her, it was a learning experience for sure.

That said, I consider myself a fine artist. As a fine artist I have no duty to explain myself or my painting to you. I create what I create because it comes from the heart. It's what I feel, it's the message I want to convey. You, as a viewer are equally entitled to interpret as you feel and what it says to you.

The good news is that my husband now understands the difference....