Nov 2, 2010

creative dreams

A few weeks ago I was fortunate enough to meet a really lovely couple that had purchased several of my original paintings.  The husband went to art school for ceramics.  

He told me that in art school, it was "drilled in his brain" that putting 
words on artwork make it not real art.   

He said, that for years he would completely overlook any art that had words written on it.  He was taught that art should speak for itself and not need words to portray meaning.  

I am a self-taught artist.  I know little about what it is like to go to art school, but I do know that I reject conversations about "real" vs "not real" art.  The creative spirit that is within each one of us is personal and unique and very real to each individual.  

This couple decided to question this long held belief about what defines real art and now purchase art that speaks to their hearts.   

They buy art that they love.  
Without rules.   
Without limitations.

Me too.

14 comments:

aimee said...

you shouted this one from my heart, lori! this is exactly how i feel about art. i'd like to add that it was the beauty and spirit of YOUR ARTWORK specifically that made them change their minds! it is such a beautiful story!

k said...

amen!!

Prairie Girl Studio said...

exactly what i was thinking, krystal!

amen.

me too.

i have often come across this stigma, that generally comes from former, perhaps conservative generations, that art is only good if it looks like the 'real' thing ... ack! there's that word again ... 'real' ...

thanks for sharing the 'real' deal on art, lori ...

xo
prairiegirl

Julia said...

Oh, Lori, I'm so with you on this. This is one of those kinds of discussions that always raises my hackles too.

I could go on and on.

I love what you said here: "the creative spirit that is within each one of us is personal and unique and very real to each individual."

YES!

You & I could (and will some day) have some very lively discussions.

I adore you & your beautiful, serene woman above. Big hugs to you, my friend.

IVYALLOVER said...

Oh Lori,
What a lovely piece of art and oh yes this topic is so true to my heart as well. I agree with you, art can be a great source of pleasure in our lives it cam also enrich and deepen our understanding of the world around us so who would want to deprive themselves from what moves them? Not I ♥

Liv @ Choosing Beauty said...

YES, YES, YES! I know that there are many others like that customer; and how cool that your beautiful creations and inspirations helped to change his perspective. This calls for a happy dance!

Kolleen said...

i am SO doing that happy dance with Liv.

i remember you sharing this story with me....i LOVE that you were able to share it here with so many others. i feel it speaks to so many of us.

art comes from the heart ... it is so clear in all that you create my dear friend.

i love you!
ooxx
k

Kim Klassen said...

so right Kolleen...from the heart... speaks to the heart...

love this Lori!!

dbalyoz said...

words or not, who wouldn't love your art??? it is amazingly beautiful! Ultimately, isn't that what art should be? beautiful, meaningful and part of oneself. I'm in process of framing a painting done my my little girl when she was 18 months old. it has fish and goggly eyes, its on cheap paper and the paint is everywhere. I love it! thanks for a beautiful post...

linda said...

well said... I agree that it's a personal relationship... everyone should be free to choose and love whatever they want!

ELK said...

we can second guess all that we create as not being quite right..I appreciate you sharing in order to allow others to think in a different way..from the heart

A Box of Chocolates said...

that is the only way to buy art it needs to make me smile, or cry or sigh it needs to make me feel something

Judy Hartman said...

Beautifully said, Lori. I heard some of those comments when I took classes at an art college one summer - funny, but you would think that art instructors, of all people, would be open to all forms of expression!
I love the way you put words in your artwork - so inspiring and expressive!

kelly@thebluemuse said...

yes, it is so frustrating when people define art in such limited ways...I agree, go for what you love, for what speaks to you.