This week I had a disappointing encounter with a couple of fellow artists. Let me explain. I was excited to find out about a week ago that a new printmaking group had just started near where I live. The two main attractions for me were being able to share with other printmakers, and being able to use a printing press! So I scheduled to meet with one of the people who started the group, to find out more about it. I had done the same a few weeks ago with another printmaking group, but this new one is much closer and more convenient for me, so I had high hopes of joining. There was another person there also thinking of joining, so we both got to listen to the explanations of how the group functioned. Things took a turn when people started throwing their diplomas and past experience around. It didn’t help that one person took over the “talking stick” and basically acted as though only their opinions were interesting. I was never once asked about my experience, and when I volunteered that my learning had been through what I jokingly call “YouTube University”, I thought I would see the very first-ever instance of eyeballs doing a backflip in their sockets. I was informed in no uncertain terms that what was available on YouTube was only “this type” and “that technique”, and was obviously not worthy of attention by serious printmakers. I guess YouTubers Laura Boswell and Colin Blanchard, two incredibly talented, successful, experienced and generous English printmakers from whom I have learned most of my printmaking skills, didn’t get the memo! If I hadn’t already made up my mind about joining, the clincher came when they started discussing how big this group wanted to become. The group creator mentioned that they didn’t want to become as big as another artist group (to which I belong), especially as it seemed that part of that group’s growth was obtained by letting in “non-professional” artists! Well clutch my pearls!!! Daphne, get me my smelling salts!! Needless to say, I was disappointed by this attitude, but also by the dismissive reaction to almost anything I said. I was made to feel that I knew nothing, or worse yet that what I knew was wrong, and it was pointed out in no uncertain terms that the weekly group meetings would not be "courses". So much for sharing! I blame the other potential member mostly, whose name I don’t know as there was no attempt at introductions, and who may not even end up joining the group. I know I won’t be. I don’t need a press that badly! Thankfully not all artists have this attitude about degrees versus self-study. The other group I visited earlier greeted me with open arms and were genuinely interested in seeing my work and some of the techniques and products that I mentioned using. Supplier names were noted and diplomas were never mentioned! Don’t get me wrong, I am not suggesting that university studies are useless or that they aren’t demanding or that people shouldn't be proud of their achievements. But let’s face it, learning brain surgery or rocket science is not the same as learning art. I wouldn’t trust a “self-study” physician or lawyer! But art is different. Unless you want to study Art History (and there is nothing wrong with that), art is mostly concepts and techniques, and once you learn them (and sometimes even without learning them-- take Maud Lewis!), there is no “right way” or “wrong way” to do art. Just as there is no “right way” or “wrong way” to learn art! Especially in 2022! From my years of teaching in a college, where I met my fair share of “Doctors”, I know that a degree does not confer intelligence or class. Many of the Doctors I met were “a**es”. But, to be fair, most were not. And it’s the same with artists with degrees. But I now have a new definition for a BFA, and it’s not Bachelor of Fine Arts. I’ll let you guess. What about you? Have you had unpleasant encounters with “educated” artists? Post in the comments below. P.S. The print that I had in a show with that group of “non-professional” artists? It sold. After 4 days. Just sayin’.... P.P.S. I am sure the people I met this week are very nice people. Just not the kind I particularly want to spend time with.
2 Comments
10/19/2022 05:28:57 pm
The atmosphere among snobbery is not conducive to creativity in my opinion. I know people with art degree that are not better than some other artists I know without a degree. Online course can be very educational and help improve our skills more than some Uni courses. I find having a degree in Art from Florence Italy or Belgium or Spain etc is different than art schools here. They learn art, not just art history, they produce masterpieces. I can go on but I will end it with, those who think they have nothing more to learn from other artists are very much mistaken and their growth will be nonexistent! I’m sorry you went through such an experience. I much prefer to be with artists who share their knowledge l
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Claire
10/19/2022 10:05:27 pm
Thanks Sonia! I couldn't agree more! We have so much to learn from one another!
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