A few years ago, I made a series of experiments to see if I would not discover a few new techniques. I had some fun but I never intended for these “trial-and-error” works of mine to be seen as “investment” pieces. In 2012 I had to pack up my life in order to move abroad and I gave a few of these pieces to an art dealer friend of mine who would auction works annually for an animal shelter. Little did I know that my “ugly” donated experiments would lead to a few awkward moments later.
A lady bought a pair of these experiments; she was encouraged by the art dealer’s friend who apparently told her that it would be worth something someday, apparently. (I am glad that someone thought my art had some potential.) She had them framed for her home. Her child then told her that they were ugly and that she should remove them. She contacted me via Facebook and told me the story and she asked me if I would not consider “exchanging” them.
I never asked her if she liked them; I was a little "scared" to know the truth I think. Unfortunately, I could not buy them back because I was elsewhere – and I donated them to my art dealer friend – so I felt a bit bad. I felt “guilty” that the lady lost money or had spent money and that her child could not stand the works. This transpired about 7 years ago and I still want to send her a better set of paintings as a gift. I would not mind retrieving my experimental art works, but my life was in transit during the “ugly situation”.
I think I have to add a little lesson here. I am not referring to anyone involved in this little “ugly” sequence. I want to speak from an artist’s perspective. Art lovers and friends of the artists or the creatives may often wonder what an artist was thinking when he or she was painting, writing or carving a particular work; they are bowled over by the crudeness or the lack of aesthetic appeal that a work may reveal. Unfortunately, people forget or perhaps do not know that those “ugly” works are usually the precursors of better works to follow. The experiments the artist produces are not deliberate attempts to annoy others, but they are often just the next step in the process he or she is engaged in. Have a good day and enjoy the experimentation process; breakthrough may be around the corner.
First of all, this is definitely not ugly and that was very inconsiderate of the lady to even imply that. Then even a request for a swap! She may have thought that, and that's her opinion, but that after the purchase and external influence. Nevertheless, I don't think ugly art exists unless moral boundaries are exceeded. Secondly, kindly share what procedure you followed to obtain this result and what media did you use? (If I may ask). This experiment will definitely lead to more. Your art friend is really blessed by a friend like you, just as I am.