Everyone's been home this last week, but obviously I've squeezed some time in for playing in the studio!
I've been thinking a lot about my art, lately, in an introspective kind of way. I have an artist friend whose opinion I respect. She looked at what I've been doing lately and gave me some asked-for criticism ("what do you think?")
So now I've been pondering what she said. She liked all the collages, but didn't think I should continue with the ones with layers of text and vintage photos (like the angel a couple of posts ago, or He Sings a Savage Song, or A Savage Place), recommending instead that I focus on landscapes/abstracts. She also thought that I needed to work on developing a style that was readily identifiable as ME. I'd thought that that would just happen on its own--thought that I could even see a style emerging... Up until now, I've really viewed my art as playing--therefore, I could follow my instincts/desires and do whatever kind of art I wanted to do. Obviously, part of me really feels like continuing along that path. I love working so intuitively--starting on a background by tearing out a page from sheet music or a dictionary, then letting some piece of that text lead me to an image and an idea, then listening to the words in my head to finish the piece off... I've thought that my art had a story/message--not necessarily the same for everyone, but there's a thread there that I liked.
So right now I'm just thinking... And getting lots done while I do it--but still so confused.
8 comments:
Very difficult to hear criticism, even if you asked for it.
I adore the abstract landscapes, reminds me of Mark Acetelli...
Here's a link to a local gallery that shows his work, we bought one....
http://sohogalleryla.com/MAIN.PHP?artist=mark_acitelli
I love any painting that has enough texture, either implied or real, that I want to reach out and touch it.
I'm not an artist but I do enjoy collecting and viewing paintings and collages.
oooh - danger, danger - letting' someone set you off your own very true course ("Up til now I've been playing" - well of course - our artist is always our inner child who will utterly disappear if you get serious on her). And your style will happen all on its own. And please do not focus on only abstract landscapes. I happen to love He Sings A Savage Song (the curl of the snail and the man's head - amazing juxtaposition) and A Savage Place (I love underlying text and the number 2 - getting these things down well is something I haven't accomplished yet so I KNOW it isn't as easy as some might thing). I think the dream quality of these works is very important and leaves more room for the viewer to create a story. Sometimes the viewer can only wander in landscapes.
Be true to yourself and your art and stop asking others for their opinion - they will come from their creative space. And theirs isn't necessarily yours. Look at what you admire from others, take some of it and blend it in with your own. But keep following your own path.
hugs in the new year.
Sounds like wise advise (not mine, hers) I bought a little something last night so you'd better pack it up and ship it to me before Adam and Eve burn the house down!
It is winter break ya know, it's entirely possible none of us will survive the next two weeks of togetherness.
just know that the artist whose opinion you respect is giving just that "her opinion" and ultimately after all the your thinking and weighing, you will still be true to you.
oh, and because i too love vintage images and have been collecting family photos for about 20 years, i see a great challenge with how to make the work "fresh" and not a mirror image of so much other collages that use vintage photos.
i think "An Angel for Me" is fresh for my eyes.
I would also agree - be true to yourself, I've really enjoyed looking at your artwork. I would also say though that using vintage photos offers particular challenges because so many other people are using them, as karoda says.
feedback is good as long as you can take it in, ponder it, and then do what your heart tells you regardless. you gotta do what makes your heart sing!
Karen, please do not stick to just landscape abstracts. I love all your arts and would be sad coming here not seeing all those lovely pieces anymore.
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