Alverno 6.5×4.5 Watercolor on paper Sold |
Good news & bad news; yesterday, the bad news came via email that my work was rejected in two juried printmaking exhibits I applied to earlier this summer. The good news arrived via email as well: a new client bought a woodcut and a watercolor. That’s the way the art business works – you pull up your socks, tighten your boot straps, cinch your belt and march-on.
Alverno in process |
Art Quote
Art isn’t only a painting. Art is anything that’s creative, passionate, and personal. And great art resonates with the viewer, not only with the creator.
What makes someone an artist? I don’t think is has anything to do with a paintbrush. There are painters who follow the numbers, or paint billboards, or work in a small village in China, painting reproductions. These folks, while swell people, aren’t artists. On the other hand, Charlie Chaplin was an artist, beyond a doubt. So is Jonathan Ive, who designed the iPod. You can be an artist who works with oil paints or marble, sure. But there are artists who work with numbers, business models, and customer conversations. Art is about intent and communication, not substances.
An artist is someone who uses bravery, insight, creativity, and boldness to challenge the status quo. And an artist takes it personally.
That’s why Bob Dylan is an artist, but an anonymous corporate hack who dreams up Pop 40 hits on the other side of the glass is merely a marketer. That’s why Tony Hsieh, founder of Zappos, is an artist, while a boiler room of telemarketers is simply a scam.
Tom Peters, corporate gadfly and writer, is an artist, even though his readers are businesspeople. He’s an artist because he takes a stand, he takes the work personally, and he doesn’t care if someone disagrees. His art is part of him, and he feels compelled to share it with you because it’s important, not because he expects you to pay him for it.
Art is a personal gift that changes the recipient. The medium doesn’t matter. The intent does.
Art is a personal act of courage, something one human does that creates change in another.”
― Seth Godin, Linchpin: Are You Indispensable?
Hi Belinda,
The month I was on Oprah because her people liked my work, I did not win best portrait at my art club. I’m pretty sure my work was excellent — it got Oprah’s attention, but at that moment high realism was favoured by the jury.
I love what you’re saying, and I think your work is truly amazing. So. You would see what was chosen, and understand that it isn’t about talent, or great work, but about the taste of the selection committee. Plain and simple.
Love your work.
XOXOXOXO Barbara
Well, you are one of the most talented artists out there. I appreciated your words. It certainly seems tougher than it sounds though.