Art Shows
Even art shows that cater to the themes, styles, and subject matter that we prefer will still have those inherent problems that come with subjective judging. Otherwise it sounds as though some artists will only be happy if the judge favors their work/philosophy of art.
I have heard all the anecdotes and have a few of my own but wonder why failure to succeed continues to be blamed on some kind of large conspiracy. Once again it's suggested that a self-serving art community has been able to "dumb down" the rest of the world. Just who is the "establishment"? After "dumbing down" the public they somehow are now pushing Kinkade? Is there anything substantive about this "evil plot"?
Somebody help me. I thought Kinkade was running his own show and even states that he does not hire sales people with art backgrounds to avoid art talk in his stores. I have been in more than a few galleries in my day and while I am often greeted it is my experience that the customer is allowed to browse and let the art do the selling.
I like Marvin's comment that he tries to make his paintings so beautiful that the judges have to vote for it. In my past life as product designer I wanted our customer to say about our product "that's so wonderful, I have to have it, what does it do"? It's a little like buying a tool you can't resist buying and then finding reasons to need it (and explain to your wife.)
Art Shows and competitions are a chance to evaluate our place in the world and way to gauge our effectiveness. If denied an acceptance it can influence a commitment to find a better way to surpass the current bias. On those nice occasions when you get recognition you can say, "If you thought that work was good wait 'til you see my next one".
Lon, you didn't say whether or not the billboard was better than Mr. Mulligan's earlier effort. I also suspect that he did not overcome the likely urge to be selective in the section used for the "What was wall 34" entry.
I am also having some trouble, Steve, with Harley Brown's claim. Most shows require that your piece be ready to hang. If one follows the typical guides for securing the wire it is extremely difficult to hang a painting upside down. Try it.
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