A few good friends and I met outside Starbucks yesterday to connect like old friends do. One friend brought his photographic portfolio and we enjoyed the beautiful photographs he had taken of natural stone. The earthy tones ranged from marvelous marble patterns to gentle greys. He told us about what he was considering to do with the images and we all tried to provide constructive ideas.
In previous posts I have already mentioned a few of my “ideas” regarding the dilemma of the digital age we are currently in and its implications for artists (according to me). However, it seems as if this “muse” is mulling around in my head once more and I will have to add a few more thoughts because I am now prone to ponder. (It feels to me as if I am reaching for the “unreachable star”.)
For the last five years I have been experimenting with a few “new” avenues for my own art and I told my friends yesterday, that I feel indeed very “rich in spirit” and “educated” because of these “experiments” I undertook. However, even though I feel “clever” to a degree (in my own head with regards to my own little projects), I feel extremely “ignorant” or perhaps “stupid” too, because I cannot write down exactly what I have learned through these “failed experiments” of mine – but I know I have learned a lot. Even though I have gained insight into many new fields, ranging from publishing books to printing silk scarves in India, I feel I have hit the same brick wall numerous times and I will call that wall: “I do not know what works anymore or what we should do with our art and images.” Shall we call in the help of the media that has perhaps caused the dilemma to a degree?
We may have to address another issue: Artists have to become show-men or show-women in order to make some form of impact. As artists we are not always keen to prance around like Salvador Dali and Jeff Koons. When I was reading about these artists and their antics years ago – and I was teaching these concepts – I thought these artists were a little “off their rockers”. Well, about 10 years down the line, I am doing something similar, because I now have a YouTube channel. I started my channel perhaps out of sheer frustration, because I realized that even though I may not be selling my art like hot cakes, I would at least like to participate in the “art discussion”. Please note that every Tom, Dick and Harry have a channel now (as you know) and it does not guarantee anything, but it makes showing people what you do, a bit easier.
Now, let me get back to my digital exploration process: It was exhilarating, but my outcomes have not met my expectations yet. The spotlight now moves back to my friend with the beautiful portfolio. When we said good-bye to each other I was a little “anxious” perhaps, because his battle is my battle and it is perhaps the “puzzle” many visual artists are trying to solve currently. I understood all too well what my friend was going through; there are many options, but a saturated aesthetic marketplace filled with art buyers who seem to need something different every day – because they have seen it all – have us in a brain freeze.
I am sorry if this post seems a bit “sad”, but it is not my intention to spread melancholy. I am trying to elicit some form of dialogue around the issue, because somewhere out there is a solution or a consideration which may help us see what we are currently experiencing. We need wisdom. One (humble) possibility I mentioned at the Starbucks meeting, was the option for artists to huddle together in order to obtain a “collective” space to assist each other. Instead of a single artist renting an expensive space or stall, let us group together and promote each other in the process. I am sorry if all this sound a bit “airy fairy”, but I mean it well. A single tree can be ignored, but a forest is forest. (This discussion may never be over, but let us tackle it in a colourful way.)
If you are interested in a “pinch” of “my” wisdom that may save you some money, if you are considering printing your images on textiles, click on the link below and hear my story.
Hello "wilhelm". I read about Elize after your post. She was indeed talented. We are all doing our bit to add colour to the world. Be blessed.
As you may have come to know, Elize Cawood a well-known actress in the Afrikaans industry, passed away yesterday. She was a phenomenal artist in her field and will always be remembered as an exceptional person and great at what she did. Her awesome legacy will live on forever. Your art and the positive impact you make on many will continue to inspire many out there, directly and indirectly. Just keep on being your true self with a true reflection of you in your world of art and the portrayal of such.