In my ongoing quest to reach more people with my art, I have learned that writing about the art is almost as important as doing the art in the first place! I have always liked writing, so I am happy to do this. But my perfectionist side requires me to do it right, of course, so I got a book to help me write about art. The book is called Art-Write, by Vicky Krohn Amorose. I just started the book, and I have already learned so much. Here is an excerpt from the introduction, explaining why writing about your art is important: “Truly “seeing” art is an accomplishment. It doesn't happen quickly. Your viewers need time and they may need some education. Language can help educate them.” Education here is not meant in the traditional sense, but rather as “guiding” or “informing” the viewer on what they are seeing, or why you painted it, helping them to connect with the painting on a deeper level. I had never really thought of that, especially as most of my paintings are pretty self-explanatory. Well, to me they are! When you visit a museum, do you usually read the “blurbs” about the artist, usually posted near the entrance to the exhibit, or next to each work? I do. I only thought it was because I wanted to know more about the artist or the art to improve my own. But I realize now that it really does help with the appreciation of the work. If it’s well done, of course. Nothing worse to me than the gobbledigook that too many artists statements are, seemingly created by stringing ‘artsy’ words randomly picked from a hat! This is likely why I have avoided writing much about myself or my art; I don’t want to sound like those artsy-fartsy statements that remind me way too much of The Emperor’s New Clothes! The Internet abounds with bad artist statements. Just google ‘bad artist statements” if you don't believe me. Someone has even created an online random “Artist Statement Generator”. You can try it here! https://www.artybollocks.com/ You may think the results are far fetched but trust me, many artists DO write like that! I don’t want to. So hopefully this book will help me craft the perfect messages to help my audience better understand what I do and why I do it. I have never been a “touchy-feely” kind of person, and getting in touch with my feelings and emotions has never been my strong suit. In fact, when I was in primary school (3rd grade I think), the teacher asked us to write about our feelings. I didn’t even know what the word meant!! So I sat there, in the grips of many things I didn’t know the word for, and tried writing the perfect ‘I-didn’t-read-the-book-hey-I-didn’t-even-know-there-was-a-book-but-I-will-try-to-make-you-believe-I-read-it book report’! But that’s another story! I have since found out what feelings are but I just don’t like talking about them. That was the way I was brought up, I guess. I don’t think it has hurt me, at least not enough to seek therapy! Another path I am exploring on this “writing about your art” journey involves the discovery of my artist’s ‘why?’, as in, ‘Why am I an artist?” Apparently, “Because I like it” isn’t an acceptable answer! I have to keep drilling to find the deep down “why”. The proponents of this technique suggest it usually is linked to some traumatic childhood experience….. Hmmmm….. I consider my childhood as pretty normal and uneventful. Of course there are events that any child would consider traumatic, like the death of a pet, or having a sibling break one of your toys, or not knowing the meaning of the word 'feelings'.... but really? I will let you know if I ever find the answer…. Back to reading! Oh, and painting!
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AuthorMy name is Claire Bureau. Archives
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