Say what you mean… mean what you say…
artwork & content Copyright Jean Burman 2007
Most are artists, [hey... who else but other artists attend openings these days... *wink*] with noses pressed up to the canvas in the hope of gleaning information and extracting answers to the eternal question on everyone’s lips “how in the heck did they DO that?”
And so it would seem… the defining differential between artists and viewers (and buyers), is all in the attitude… the stance… and the distance they put between their nose and the artwork! But… I digress
It seems that artists have always been a competitive bunch… but it is rarely admitted to or spoken about. For some inexplicable reason it seems to go hand in glove with the creative terrain in which we artists live and work.
By it’s very nature… making art is a solitary pursuit… the artist working long hours alone to produce the necessary work. The paradox is of course that the artist must draw inspiration from somewhere, and frequent forays into society are (and have traditionally been) a necessary prerequisite to the making of art.
Study for The Cellist. Modigliani. 1909. Oil on canvas. Private collection.
Take for example… the bitter sweet rivalry between Modigliani and Picasso…the tenuous friendship that, on more than one occasion, festered into the kind of drunken pistol-packing rage that fuelled open fist fights in the cafes of Paris early last century! Wow…what a time to be alive … especially for an artist!
Today… artists seem to have neither the passion nor the need to be so demonstrative. We are by comparison a civilised (even seemingly docile) bunch! But don’t let that fool you… the rivalry is still out there… alive and well!
Back at the gallery opening… huddled together and still with noses to the canvas… the hushed tones of the silent critique continue. But when the critique turns to critisism the battle lines need to be drawn. There is a huge yawning gap between a critique based on sound principles… and critisism based on personal taste.
FUZZY LOGIC:
So why do we say “we like it” when we don’t… and why do we say “we don’t like it” when we do?
We say “we like it” when we don’t, when we consider it a safe bet that we can do better ourselves (ie. the competition doesn’t present a threat) We can afford to be generous.
We say “we don’t like it” when we do, when we consider it a safe bet that we can’t do better ourselves… (and we fear that we may never be able to!)
In art as in life I always try to see the best in people and their work. I have in the past been accused of offering praise where it was considered that none was due. But I’m a firm believer in positive encouragement… and would never never never say “I like it” when I don’t. Conversely I am happy to say “I like it” when someone else gets it right. More power to them I say! (and I’ll just have to work extra hard to catch up with them!)
What do you think? Your comments are very welcome…
(btw the comments section is fascinating… I love to hear what everyone else has to say… please don’t miss it!)
February 10th, 2007 at 9:49 pm
Well Jean, all I can say is “I DON’T LIKE IT!” (said with all the envy of a limited writer…) Kidding aside, I can only offer to say that, in my experience I truly value the honesty in critiques…good or bad. Sincerity does seem a rare commodity though…a shame for there is so much to be learned in the eyes of others!
February 10th, 2007 at 10:02 pm
I wonder if we need to adjust our criticism to the individual, encouraging the clearly delusion to avoid stealing their tenuous grasp on pleasure, but risking the possibility of discouraging the obviously talented with our critiques (though always with the awareness that even the harshest criticism should be accompanied by acknowledgment of the positive). I don’t have an answer, but I love that you have me thinking, Jean.
February 10th, 2007 at 11:14 pm
Thanks Mary… hey… what are you talking about… YOU can write… AND paint too! What more could a girl want? LOL I am thrilled that you “DON’T LIKE IT” That means so much to me! *wink* LOL
February 10th, 2007 at 11:31 pm
John… this scenario could in fact go both ways when you think about it. I have seen both. You would have too. I guess the point I was making is that if the critique is an honest one… then no one is mislead or confused.
The conspiracy of silence… where the would-be critiquer smiles politely and says nothing in the face of obvious error is just as great a problem (I think). In critiquing (or even casual comment) … I think we’d all agree that honesty is the best policy. If each of us would simply “say what we really mean - and really mean what we say” with tact and sensitivity…our comments grounded in knowledge and not ego… (besides the world being a more beautiful place) we could all rely on critiques! Thanks for commenting!
February 11th, 2007 at 1:36 pm
Your commentary on critiques is clear. I understand. Is art so different from life? People everywhere talk without true feeling. Critiques can be cutting and harmful if caring is ignored. Beginning artists can be discouraged if a critique is too strong. Experienced artists can be bored if a critique is too mild or trite. As in life, where is the balance? As said, saying what one really thinks about an artwork but saying it with feeling, true feeling and care for that person on the other end of the paint brush, seems not to much to ask.
Your mind goes deep, Jean. I’m enjoying the dialogue.
February 11th, 2007 at 1:43 pm
By the way, and this is from the heart, I really love the artwork you are showing on the site. Your headers are wonderful, too. What will you do with your blog cartoons? Will they be up for grabs or saved for your own collection?
February 11th, 2007 at 8:21 pm
Hi Jean!
You certainly do come up with thought provoking topics. My mother used to be a Gallery Guide at a Regional Gallery. It gave her many insights and many valuable opportunities to “critique”………!!!!!!!! That was good, she enjoyed it and was exposed to many varying styles - however…………….I really could not cope with her guiding me around the gallery, telling me everything I “needed” to know about each piece. I would often politely distance myself from “the pack” and re-confirm my own feelings in my own time. For me art is a personal thing, not a fashion statement or an illusion of status. Isn’t it time that we as artists should bring peace and beauty back. There is way too much conflict and ugliness in the world. I am always impressed with art that makes me feel good and projects hope.
February 11th, 2007 at 11:08 pm
Thanks Vernita… I know… I’ve bashed this topic around for ages… there really are no answers. You are right in saying that art is a reflection of life. It’s just human nature. But I think talking about it draws attention to the issue… and hopefully brings greater awareness and dare I say it (mindfulness?) LOL
Not sure what will become of the cartoons… I’ll let them sort themselves out for the time being. Have no idea where they are coming from (or when they may stop! LOL) as I’m no cartoonist… but the topics are directing the show I think at this stage! LOL So pleased that you like them Nita!
February 11th, 2007 at 11:20 pm
Jools… I think it would be an interesting exercise to be a gallery guide for a while. We should probably all try it… (once anyway!LOL) If your mum is anything like you I’ll bet she handled it with good grace! She must have loved the work to be able to find something to say about each one. But I agree… art is quite capable of speaking for itself… we don’t necessarily need to be told what we like and why we like it! Thanks for commenting Jools…
February 12th, 2007 at 8:14 am
I do agree with you Jean about the great divide in personal taste and sound principals…..maybe that’s a very human thing? I also think,even when there’s a glaring mistake made there is always something positive too.As an artist who has never had any formal teaching other than at school (one helluva long time ago now…lol) I must say how I appreciate critique and the encouragement given to me…..I feel it’s spurred me on and my work has improved.
By the way Jean,I am loving your cartoons………they’re brilliant!!
February 12th, 2007 at 7:20 pm
As a “beginner” in this world - I am so aware of information floating back to me in many forms. One glaringly obvious one at the moment is the need to be accepted whatever field you are in. How many times have I looked at what is on at the movies, but have been put off by what the critique is………only to discover that after weeks passing, the movie was in fact a “beauty” - I hate that and kick myself for being lead up the garden path instead of finding my own way. I have several people who act as my critics - they are invaluable and help me to see something that may not quite work or ….that I could do more work on.
I’m now pondering on The Archibald Prize……..wow, that sends me! What are the critics looking for there, the essence of the personality in the painting combined with the skill of the execution of the painting?
Any which way you look at it, it all comes down to acceptance and understanding?
February 12th, 2007 at 7:24 pm
Yes Jean………….Mum loved being a Gallery Guide. Not only did she have a social life thru it, but she also claimed status in one of her passions - she did it for ..hmmmm - 20 yrs. She is now about to turn 77, she is secretary for the Arts Council here now instead….she’s a doer!
February 12th, 2007 at 10:33 pm
Hi Bobbie! I guess in this topic I was eluding to (not just critiques) but the fragile nature of the artistic ego. Why we “say” we like something when we don’t. And why we say we “don’t like” something when in our hearts we do. In effect… why we “play the game”! It doesn’t happen all the time… (and it rarely happens on the artboards where someone is asking for help or advice) … but more often this scenario plays out in the real world at real show/exhibition openings when the art and the artist are well known to each other… and no-one’s asking for comment! LOL Has anyone else noticed it? For example… I had someone rush up to me once exclaiming that I simply HAD to go over and take a look at “the hand” in a very accomplished artist’s painting. Apparently it was “all wrong” and the ripple of excitement that ran around the room as everyone looked (and gloated) … in my view… was appalling. Of course… no one approached “the artist” about it! That’s when the conspiracy of silence kicks in! LOL
Critiques are valuable and necessary. When we need help… who better than another artist to ask for a fresh opinion. Fortunately most artists are professional and genuine in their intent to help another… I was referring to the rest… and in the context of the art show/exhibition opening. I think it is there, that the egos are flying high and the sensitivities are at an all time low! But that’s just my opinion… and there will be many others!
I’m so tickled that you like the cartoons… they are (surprisingly) a lot of fun to do. I’m still polishing the craft… well… actually… truth be known I’m still learning basics… but hey it’s a lot of fun trying! Thanks Bobbie!
February 12th, 2007 at 10:46 pm
Oh Jools… me too! I’m never going to listen to those silly movie reviewers again. I don’t know where they’re coming from… but so often when I get around to seeing the movie they “canned”… it’s just g-r-e-a-t! I thought it must have just been me and my dough-ey taste… but hooray I’m not alone! It does point out though how “one man’s heaven is another man’s hell” and I think that goes for everything in life… (including art)!
Did you see where the father and son have entered the Archie together? How neat! The press were all over the 13 year old son… whose work was VERY accomplished for one so young. I suspect that the Archibald Prize may be the greatest lottery in the land. Not sure even the judges know what they’ll choose in any given consecutive year… but one things for sure… it will be THE MOST CONTROVERSIAL… THE MOST WAY OUT THERE ON THE EDGE… THE MOST UNPOPULAR WITH THE UNPACKERS AND THE PUBLIC… and all this from an artist THAT NO-ONE HAS HEARD OF BEFORE (and probably won’t ever again!) I reckon Jools… we’re in with a chance… what say we give it a whirl? LOL LOL LOL
Thanks for your great comments!
February 13th, 2007 at 12:22 am
How true is this????? Where has this negativity in society come from? It has to reflect a degree of insecurity at some level and also a need to appear pseudo intelligent. I think we should all be more like children - “I love it, I hate it, I don’t know”. Thanks for creating a thought provoking BLOG. Cheers AG
February 13th, 2007 at 3:11 am
You are soooo right AG… children come right out and say “what’s YOUR name” followed by “YOU’VE got a funny nose!” I mean… we already know we’ve got a funny nose… so we know the kid’s got to be right (AND he’s honest!) LOL Wouldn’t it be great if it were all so simple?
Thanks AG… I really appreciate you dropping by!
February 13th, 2007 at 5:12 pm
“Out of the mouths of babes” Isn’t that how it goes?
Hey Jean - thankyou so much for your wonderful reply at the artcafe, almost brought me to tears, followed sharply by a big broad smile!
Who would you paint for the Archibald…..I’m still pondering!
February 14th, 2007 at 6:19 am
Jools… maybe I’d paint you… in your garden! But you’d have to do the flowers bit okay? *wink*
Seriously… who would you paint… do you have a subject in mind?
February 14th, 2007 at 7:40 pm
I’m thinking Don Bourke!!!! LOL
February 14th, 2007 at 7:51 pm
Actually …seriously, Don Bourke would be an option. Another would be Kylie Minogue - I’m not really into her music, but I do think that she puts on a wonderful show (a true entertainer!) She is brave and strong and always elegant. I admire her tenacity and the love she has for what she does. She believes she can do it………so, therefore she does! Just thinking about how I would paint Kylie is actually quite inspiring.
February 16th, 2007 at 1:00 am
I wonder if anyone has been able to snooker her into a sitting yet? She’d be a great subject tho. Jools… Don Burke was up here a couple of years ago filming an episode of Burke’s Backyard. He visited our palm plantation as he was doing a feature on coconuts. Man… I never wanted to see another coconut after that as (after the episode went to air) we were swamped with orders for “struck” nuts. We shipped out boxes and boxes of them! He can be pretty arrogant apparently… not sure I’d want to paint him! LOL
February 16th, 2007 at 8:41 pm
Isn’t it amazing how the media affects people as either the presenter or as the viewer. My mother believes everything she reads (it must be true…it was in the paper or on TV!) Ha! I say….Ha! lol.
As for Mr Burke, he was just a thought as he is known for his garden expertise - Another Aussie TV personality comes to mind….A certain weatherman, comes across as being very friendly and cute, but in real life he is as arrogant and rude as they come. Ahhhh, the art of illusion.
You know what Jean….I might just make some enquiries about entering the Archibald…why not!
February 17th, 2007 at 7:14 pm
I think that’s a great idea Jools! You have the talent energy and determination to do well… and so you will!
Hey… thanks for your great support here on the blog… it’s very much appreciated!
February 17th, 2007 at 9:03 pm
Jean…it is totally and utterly my pleasure. Thankyou for being soooooo supportive to me. Its all good kharma!