I think taste or the lack of it, is very personal and varies in degrees from one person to another. Looking at the positive side of things prevents us from turning into bitter prunes!
I agree with Mary on a lot of points she has made. We as artists need to set high standards for ourselves and our work and by showing it to the public we can, to a degree, influence what the perception of real art could be. Show the public mastery of the craft and if they can afford it I am sure they will buy it and appreciate it.
I would like to see the following change in the way juried shows are handled:
- 1. Do not disclose artist's name.
2. The work should be judged without any consideration to title.
3. The frame/matting should only be taken in consideration if it is part of the work. (Some artists incorporate the frame as part of the painting.)
4. Jurors should not be allowed to confer with other jurors. I like to see them partitioned off, so they can't even see the mannerisms and expression of the person next to them.
I would like the creation of an environment were judging can be truly objective and done by people who master their art. If a work wins that I happen to find inferior, well then so be it. I will congratulate the winner and go on with my career.