Also please check out my second blog, The Painting Archives to see older (pre-2004) paintings for sale.
Friday, November 11, 2005
look at it this way
My friend, painter Mark Horton, has an interesting take on viewing art, which he describes as resolving a "thing" (the work of art) into "thought." As an alternative to responding in ways that label or objectify the art work (such as focusing on who made it, on its style or subject matter)Mark suggests contemplating which specific qualities in it attract you or speak to you personally. Then ask yourself how those qualities do or don't play a part in your own life or behavior. For example, if you are attracted to the color or movement in a painting, you could consider whether your own life reflects those qualities. The art then functions as a sort of sounding board to explore your own related thoughts and ideas.
Taking this extra step into subjectivity may teach you as much about yourself as about the art work, but Mark also thinks that your appreciation of the various layers of meaning in a work of art will grow, since you may respond to different aspects over time. He also emphasizes that this approach does not replace more academic art study, including art appreciation, history and theory. It's simply another way to approach art that may end up deepening your overall understanding of an artists's intent. ¶ 10:03 AM
Taking this extra step into subjectivity may teach you as much about yourself as about the art work, but Mark also thinks that your appreciation of the various layers of meaning in a work of art will grow, since you may respond to different aspects over time. He also emphasizes that this approach does not replace more academic art study, including art appreciation, history and theory. It's simply another way to approach art that may end up deepening your overall understanding of an artists's intent. ¶ 10:03 AM
