"Do not defend your [art]. This is your chance to sit back and to observe what [viewers] make of your [work]. It is not the time to tell them that they have misunderstood it or to otherwise try to defend it. In the “real” world, you will not be able to follow your [art] around and explain it or answer criticism. If [viewers] do not understand what you have [done], you need to ask yourself whether that is because they are weak [viewers]... or whether it is because there is something in your work that is confusing, unclear or just plain mistaken. While you cannot really control [viewers], you can make your [artwork] clearer, easier to read and more persuasive without sacrificing integrity. In the process, you will become a better [artist]."- Michael PettingerSeptember 15, 2008
Mistake.
"Do not defend your [art]. This is your chance to sit back and to observe what [viewers] make of your [work]. It is not the time to tell them that they have misunderstood it or to otherwise try to defend it. In the “real” world, you will not be able to follow your [art] around and explain it or answer criticism. If [viewers] do not understand what you have [done], you need to ask yourself whether that is because they are weak [viewers]... or whether it is because there is something in your work that is confusing, unclear or just plain mistaken. While you cannot really control [viewers], you can make your [artwork] clearer, easier to read and more persuasive without sacrificing integrity. In the process, you will become a better [artist]."- Michael Pettinger
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4 comments:
While I totally agree with what this person is saying I find myself wondering why then, are we in art school?
Why the critiques, and the assignments, and the push to articulate, in words, the what and why we create the way we do?
Maybe we shouldn't have critiques in person but simply leave anonymous criticism without the opportunity to "defend" or explain our work.
Fear. The fact that without some form of a degree you now are just like every other artist out there trying to make ends meat. Thats why college.
We are living in a fantasy art world at the moment. Unlimited supplies, tools, influences, and profs giving us help to succeed. College is safe.
The world outside is a different story.
I disagree. I think when asked for it, artist must give an answer. You should practice as often as you can. You should have to explain your art to everyone. I fully fully believe this. How could I have understood Mark Rothko's paintings without the background? Hell, how could I understand Nik Meisels pieces without knowing some background. That's what MAKES art so valuable, the background story behind it. I handle dozens of peoples art works everyday, selling and refinishing, and they always love the pieces they know the most.
But even then the audience is going to be talking their own meaning out of the piece...not your reason behind it. People don't love a certain piece of art because they are told to...there is just something that they are drawn to in it. Whether or not it has a story behind it. At least thats how I function.
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