The subjectivity of art
- Aug 30, 2017
- 2 min read
Recently I have joined a good number of painting forums on FaceBook. It's been an interesting experience. Why you ask? Well, because I see an awful painting that they are asking $1000 followed by something truly great at $300. Yes, I know size matters but even so. The lesson that I have learned is that there are hobbyist trying to sell while learning the craft, or trying to find their forte - who knows. It's not overly relevant what they are trying to accomplish only that it is unfortunate that the very good artists often get lost. It's too bad really. The amateurs are trying and you know what : all the power to them. In fairness, art is also subjective so what I'm saying sucks may be another's version of a masterpiece. I do however think I'm a pretty decent judge of art. Even if I don't see the point or dislike a piece I can still appreciate a good work even if it's not my bag. It's a little like beauty. Not everyone has the same definition of beauty. It's all very subjective. That doesn't mean we can't appreciate it even if it's not quite our individual style.
I recently had a conversation with one of my collectors who loved a certain piece. He said that his love of the piece was based on the fact that my painting (with its "faults" - done on purpose but irrelevant to this conversation) reminded him of his girlfriend. She was scarred on one side of her face. Now the amazing part in all this is that as an artist, my thought process was more on the side of passing beauty, skin deep, etc. but to have someone explain how a painting described their new love with her faults and attributes put me in my place. And this my friends is why painting and art are so important. Whatever the meaning to you the artist, you can assume that the viewer has a completely different take on the matter. Gotta love them for it. Art is created not for us artists (we may have a vision and a purpose) but it's all about the individual.
Personally create my works with a vision but have always left details and interpretation to the audience. I hope I don't miss my mark. We artists sometimes need to exit our little bubbles and see the world through the eyes of others.
(And yes, I repainted this painting for the umteeth time. She is now done and put to rest)
Comments