Art Intent

I heard from someone on Instagram who had some comments about my art a few various times. There was one, that in his opinion, was my best work ever, and that I should be proud. Another time it was my strength is having an ‘eye for aesthetic,’ but that I hold back on contrast. Another comment was that he likes my work for one reason only ~ that I express a thought behind each work.

I find it interesting and don’t take it to heart since I don’t know this person. I really have the outlook that I can just observe the comments but don’t need to take them into my ‘being’ or my ‘world.’ And honestly, it didn’t bother me, it may seem odd that someone follows your work but doesn’t actually ‘like’ the work, only the story behind it, but I also know that’s just how art is. I don’t like everything I see, but I do like to see style or techniques people use, colour blending, subject matter, or different perspectives, so I definitely can appreciate that. I also support – and like – when you see someone making art they love and are really into and are not caring if it impresses anyone. And actually, the only ‘odd’ thing in all of that might be the honesty with which it was told to me! So good on him. It is good to hear why someone might follow along, whatever that reason is!

I also noticed that, when explaining about his inspiration to paint that he says of himself that technique is the least important for him, emotions come first. But I have felt that by the way he paints, the subjects he paints or how he captions his own work that technique is very highly taken into account. Working on more detailed pieces and getting aspects of the landscape or still life just right. It seems that people will think they come across a certain way, but it might not actually come across that way at all. It really did surprise me to hear that he doesn’t value technique as much, when that is what jumps out at me the most about his work. It just shows that it really depends on the viewer. The emotions or intent when creating may not be at all what the viewer picks up on.

And really, what does it matter? If someone has a very specific reason of why they like the art, great. If they like it but can’t put into words why they do, great. If they don’t like it, great, they don’t need to. The reason people like it or not, is very personal. The reason people create art – is also very personal.

Sending Love,

Devon