What once was prized (at least it seems that way in Art History books!) is now considered weird- something that has kept me thinking most of my life. Printmakers have a saying -" Keep it weird" because that's usually what makes a piece interesting!
I think that's definitely a part of it. Printmakers are in their learning and training taught to make images that draw one in. I remember a prof of mine saying that an image should be arresting enough from across the room to make someone stop and look at it closer. Then the job of the printmaker is to reward the person who comes and takes that closer look. We don't just make what can be called "Over the Sofa Images" ;-)
So, this approach is very viewer-centric. Do you have to negotiate a balance between creating for the viewer and satisfying your own creative impulses?
This was said by a prof of Art History. I think it was meant as an encouragement to dig deeper than just making a simpler print. He was pointing out the "greats" and what makes their work so memorable. When I work I try to keep various principles of good Art in my mind's eye - but all the rules in the Art world are made to be broken!
Brilliant, Phyllis!
And love this: “We’re just looking for imaginative ways to live out who we really are: wondrous.”
Long live us wondrous weirdos :))
Sharing this & your graphic. x
Thank you, Mish!
I like both! I would add a third one that says "Blessed are those who have the courage to be weird. The world is calling!"😊
I like that very much!
Thanks!
Love it!
What once was prized (at least it seems that way in Art History books!) is now considered weird- something that has kept me thinking most of my life. Printmakers have a saying -" Keep it weird" because that's usually what makes a piece interesting!
I wonder if, in the quote, "weird" corresponds to "true." (I.e., "Keep it from your true spot.")
I think that's definitely a part of it. Printmakers are in their learning and training taught to make images that draw one in. I remember a prof of mine saying that an image should be arresting enough from across the room to make someone stop and look at it closer. Then the job of the printmaker is to reward the person who comes and takes that closer look. We don't just make what can be called "Over the Sofa Images" ;-)
So, this approach is very viewer-centric. Do you have to negotiate a balance between creating for the viewer and satisfying your own creative impulses?
This was said by a prof of Art History. I think it was meant as an encouragement to dig deeper than just making a simpler print. He was pointing out the "greats" and what makes their work so memorable. When I work I try to keep various principles of good Art in my mind's eye - but all the rules in the Art world are made to be broken!
Well said!
Thanks, Shelly!
Love this post so much, weird and wondrous Phyllis. And love all the responses from our weird and wondrous Rafters!
Thank you, weird and wondrous Marianne! And isn't it fun to see the Rafter responses?!
Yes!! Love my fellow Rafter responses!
This is so wonderful and for some reason just what I needed to hear today. Many thanks! 🙏
You're very welcome, weird and wondrous Ellen!
I am finally in the inside because there is no outside.
I have had names laid on me "quirky" and "kook" and it was hostile, but now I can be weird wonderful! Hooray.
Hooray!!!!!