An artist does what an artist does mainly because of a frank need to create something. It is a uniquely human pursuit but linked to the divine. And in this way, art is an expression of the individual’s soul. Creating art is the most individual thing you can do as a human because it is your individual expression of an idea. That imagined, planned and implemented idea is no one else’s conception of how to express a creative thought other than your own unique internal spiritual spark.
While a singer, musician, dancer or actor gets the benefit of feedback with his or her audience, it is not so immediate or clear when a visual artist or writer shares his art with others. How great it must be to be on a stage and feel how your words and actions impact the concertgoer, the theatergoer. The laughs. The gasps. The applause. The tears.
Visual art is so varied in expression and in its utility or destination. From animation to graphic design to portraiture to impressionism, abstraction or 3D design, the destination of visual works of art could land in a book, in a gallery or show, or increasingly on social media. And, as we all know, social media can be an addictive form of approval-seeking behavior as we chase the followers, the friends, and the likes of this strange cyber world. But, it can also give valuable feedback to the artist if we use it in that way.
I am no less drawn into this game than anyone else. As a maker of art, I want to know how others perceive or value what I do. I honestly care little about sales or financial gain because I don’t earn a living from making art. “Likes” mean less and less to me. But I am envious of the reward system of the musician on stage. I most certainly crave feedback. It is as much of the reason I paint as any other. Am I getting better? Am I improving in one way or another? What works? What falls short? Can anyone else see what I was trying to evoke? Why I used this composition or color palette or pattern of light and dark? How do I know the answers to these questions in this online cyber world?
This month I made this small oil painting of a festival tent. As I have lived with it for a few weeks, I have started to see it as an unconscious expression of the concepts I am writing about here. The tent stands isolated and alone with no festival goers strolling past. Missing are the inquisitive faces. The art is there, vivid and bright, looking out… but who is looking in?
I so often wonder if anyone sees the things I post? Who reads what I write? Is my art similar to those suggested paintings depicted in this lonely festival tent: there, ready to be seen, but who is looking in?
When my web manager recently told me that 76,000 hits had been registered to my website this year so far, I thought my head would figuratively explode! How could that possibly be true? I wondered who these mystery guests were. If you care enough to follow my journey as an artist, please care enough to let me know. I don’t just want to know you “like” something, but I sincerely want to know what you see in my work, what appeal is has for you, is there a particular aspect of a painting that speaks to you in some way. If you give me the gift of feedback, you will become my concertgoer. My theatergoer. And it will mean more than you will ever know.
And, I want to resolve to do the same as a viewer of the artists I “follow”. “Like” is no longer enough. I want to make a commitment to always comment, engage, interact and be that source of feedback that I know fellow artists crave just as I do.
Kathy, this is profound!!! Totally agree with your sentiments and often have thought the same thing-no feedback means…I am failing or just not expressing myself clearly or perhaps people are just too busy… it is frustrating. Your work is excellent, btw, and your post here is truly insightful.
Lisa Pruitt
Great article and painting, Kathy!
Your words are so encouraging and validating to me. I could relate to the desire for feedback and of course a need to make and express one’s soul.
I loved that you painted your tent set up and explained what it represented. Your words and your painting are as the Proverb says, ‘ like apples of gold in settings of silver.’ Thank you ! Genie
Having known Kathy since our early days as young pharmacists working together I have watched her talent & intuitive knowledge of color grow. Not knowing but recognizing her talent I was the first to commission two paintings. One of my beloved leopard Appaloosa horse, and one of my daughter on her Shetland pony. Our paths crossed several times. My next commissioned painting many years later was on each side of my fly tying box. To this day I have enjoyed reminiscing over the scenes & paintings she has done for me. Remarkable as it may seem we met once again near my retirement. She has a gracious heart. From a photo she saw of me fly fishing she painted me on the river. A wonderful day I might add. Having inquired my address she sent me a painting she had meticulously completed of me on the river. We have kindred spirits. We each served mankind in our profession. She has become what I aspired to be but had little if any talent to do , paint.
Blessings to you Kathy and your wonderful works of art. You have been a blessing to me & my family as well.