Visitors' poll

Steven Sweeney · 10-11-2007, 01:26 PM

No question that the forum provides those benefits to the members and the far greater number who simply come to read.

It's said that there's no better way to be sure that you understand something than to explain it so that another understands it equally well. "Distance learning," of which this forum is a kind, is a difficult way to teach some concepts. When I have critiqued a piece in the past, the motivation was partly selfish -- I was equally engaged in calisthenics to train or retrain my own eye and sensibilities as well as those of the work's creator. I learned something from the effort, or at least reinforced something, and that in turn made it easier for me to critique my own work. I didn't always do particularly well at it, but we're all learning as we go.

I also have benefitted greatly from Forum members' recommendations of books, DVDs and workshops, even if those authors and teachers have never been here "in person." All those materials opened up entire new practices and schools of thought. And I have stolen lots of great ideas from other members themselves, and learned from their example.

Though I have met very few Forum members in person, I have worked and interacted with many, over 4 or 5 or 6 years, which has created bonds of friendship as strong as those with people in my own real world (or IRL, as they say.) I "talk" to several people here more often than I do to some members of my immediate family. My son was in grade school when I somehow first "found" this site, and he's now in college. Only a lot of good will and a feeling of professional value received could make so many people stick around for so long, and it's something that is available to anyone for the price of admission (free). Yes, there is attrition, but there are also new members each week.

So, yes, there are lots of good reasons to be here, to be taking full advantage of what can be found here, and to use the Forum as professional leverage to get the word out about one's own work, workshops, philosophies and the like. My earlier post wasn't intended to muse about why people generally may be reluctant to join and participate, but only to respond to the narrower tacit inquiry as to why the Forum doesn't make an effort to have a greater number of "big names" on staff. (Since I haven't been "on staff" now for about three years, I don't have to ponder exactly how far below the "big name" standard I land, though I know it's a long period of freefall before impact.)

Sharon Knettell · 10-11-2007, 04:21 PM

In defense of my friend the other moderators- not that they need any.

I work at home, I have no children. I have a great deal more time. I only do portraits when a client shows up to pose, otherwise I do my own work.

I am not :

A: Jumping on planes to photograph a client.
B: Handling a full time or part-time job.
C: Driving kids to school, soccer games, doctors, dentists etc.
D: Cleaning my own house or mowing my lawn.
E: Dragging my kids around to look at colleges.
F: Poring over college scholarship and entrance forms

Again, I have more time.

I had to talk Linda Brandon out of doing endless private painting critiques sent to her by members. She is an extremely kind, talented and generous women, notwithstanding being a full time parent of teenagers, teaching and doing portrait commissions.

Many of us, perhaps in many people minds are lower tier painters, however we struggled and did not have the information given here gratis at the touch of a key pad.

Many people enjoy being entertained, because they are bored. They also want instant answers to why they can't paint- magic bullets. That is not what we are about.

Enzie Shahmiri · 10-11-2007, 07:50 PM

Quote:

My earlier post wasn't intended to muse about why people generally may be reluctant to join and participate, but only to respond to the narrower tacit inquiry as to why the Forum doesn't make an effort to have a greater number of "big names" on staff.

I think you made some really good points there. I just wanted to add the flip side of it and point out benefits.

You are absolutely right Sharon! I think regardless how much time any given person has, weather moderator or forum member, we all need to remember that no one gets paid here, everyone has time restrictions (some more than others) and what is being shared is on a voluntary basis. Something that is easily forgotten, but needs to be respected, never the less. We just need more volunteers!

Linda Brandon · 10-12-2007, 11:10 AM

Geesh, Sharon.
I am aghast. I am not that nice. All I do is paint. You too, I know!

Anyway, I made the highbrow comment to pique Marvin, who is not even reading this thread.

Moi! A second tier portrait painter! Now you tell me.

Seriously - if we worry about judgment - whether we will be deemed Major, Minor or Mediocre, by other artists, bored internet surfers, art critics, the marketplace or history - dear God, does that ever get in the way of getting good work done. I don't care at this point in life whether I'm "good" or not, I'm just trying to create paintings that I like.

And Enzie, you sure are stepping up to the bat - thank you for all your contributions to this place!

Enzie Shahmiri · 10-12-2007, 11:22 AM

Linda, it's my pleasure!

Chris Saper · 10-12-2007, 09:57 PM

Linda,

Me too. I have a collision of worlds , as I know you do as well--

this commission world is unto itself,

Sharon Knettell · 10-13-2007, 08:45 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Chris Saper

Linda,

Me too. I have a collision of worlds , as I know you do as well--

this commission world is unto itself,

From another talented moderator who has been tremendously generous with her time.

Yes, you belong to the client until the picture is finished.

Allan Rahbek · 10-13-2007, 05:19 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Linda Brandon

Seriously - if we worry about judgment - whether we will be deemed Major, Minor or Mediocre, by other artists, bored internet surfers, art critics, the marketplace or history - dear God, does that ever get in the way of getting good work done. I don't care at this point in life whether I'm "good" or not, I'm just trying to create paintings that I like!

Well said, Linda,

that's excactly the way to think, this has become my "excuse" and way of making peace with art history.

I don't believe that good art can derive from anywhere else than your own heart.

One can learn from others but it's the personal touch that makes it art.

If this topic is still about - daring to enter and participate on the forum - I'd say, that's the attitude

Julie Deane · 10-13-2007, 07:17 AM

"My work may be good enough to qualify, but I'm intimidated by the jury process

I'm just shy in general and don't like to put myself out there on any forum"

The quote above is where I bet a good many members listed on this forum might be emotionally. Of course, being too busy to post might be another very good reason. And it's a very very good reason for a moderator not to be able to do all they wish they could do.

It's hard to put your work up for critique. A person's art is like a piece of yourself. To hear that it needs improvement is difficult to hear but necessary for growth.

I'd rather hear what needs improvement, even if it sends me into temporary despair, than a million "attagirls" with no guidance.

To any artists out there who are afraid to ask for critiques, either on this forum or with fellow artists: please make yourself do it! You will ultimately be happy you did.