7 Things You Buy When You Buy Art From An Artist.
Artwork: 7 Butterflies. @Katie v. Flowers & Funky S.a.K.com
“When you buy something from an artist you’re buying more than an object. You’re buying hundreds of hours of errors and experimentation. You’re buying years of frustration and moments of pure joy. You’re not buying just one thing, a piece of a soul… a small piece of someone else’s life”-Unknown
I stumbled across both of the above quotes some time ago and both of them hit home for me, and of course they would since I am an artist. But, the words the adages speak are so brilliantly summed up.
Usually when an artist focus on creating a piece of art we can get so caught up for hours on rendering that one piece. From the first several or more sketches to deciding the surface that the work will be applied. From there we proceed on to decide the surface preparation. Then we must attempt to recapture the decided upon sketch and re-render it onto the selected and prepared surface. As the process goes on we encounter plenty of errors to contend with and moments of needed experimentation. And yet after putting in all that time, and going through all of the efforts mentioned we may end up tossing out that work only to start the process over again. Why? Because we didn't see what we had in a part of our mind come into fruition. The work didn't for whatever reason connect with our soul. The overall expression wasn't found to be true enough.
Some artists go through years of frustration to produce beautiful, incredible and wondrous works of art. To use an example of an artist that the majority of us are familiar with, Michael Angelo and his rendered master work for the Sistine Chapel Ceiling. The Creation of Adam. Yes, if you know his story there were a mixture of adventure, and the artist did not create the great work alone. However, the point is that to imagine his frustration. The artist moments of experimentation. The sweaty moments. Having paint and parts of the ceiling drip-drop into his eyes, as the thickness of the paint run along side his face. As his hands are nearly drenched with the color of the rainbow. Tolerating the emitting fumes from the paint, and paint cleaning solvents. Clothing caked with paint as he lies on his back uncomfortable as hell for hours nearly day after day to create and present to the world his vision of God’s finger extended out to touch man’s finger.
Honestly, I have found as a Teaching-Artist/Art Instructor that it really doesn't matter on what level of artistic skill the artist is at the commonalities we all share is the learning process, the moments of frustration, and the feeling of joy once we believe a work is done successfully.
In order to produce skillful work we must learn of different drawing materials and mark making because those of us who are serious about what we do understand the value that is added of our work when we learn how to apply the elements and principles of design, such as line, tone, and proportion. When we learn how to use them to create convincing realistic works of art. The understanding of such knowledge eventually helps us to become defined as masters of illusions. We convince you that a person, place, or thing really exist and the reality is that they only often times exist in our minds.
If you've never taken the time, or perhaps it has been a while since you have put aside a bit of time to enjoy some art try observing it from this perspective. Sit down, or stand whatever is most comfortable for you in front of the work that captures your attention. It doesn't matter if the work is found on the Internet, or in a book. Sidebar:It’s always a better experience to view the work in person. Allow yourself to take in the whole composition. With your eyes travel around the work. Go into the work and notice the details, the figure(s). Notice what’s in the background? What’s happening in the center of the work, as well as the foreground (the things you see right away). How do you feel about the colors? Depending on the details of the work you can actually smell the air. Hear the birds chirping, the rain falling and, or the waves splashing up against land, or rocks. See the people walking around and become a part of the composition happenings. You can feel an emotion.
Art at most is about pure expressionism. It is our expressions that help to connect us to one another's spirit and soul. This is why many people appreciate art, and many artist love to create.
I've yet to meet the serious artist who does not embrace their creations as part of the family. To every artist man, or woman regardless of art form their art for them is like giving birth into the world. And this is why I agree completely that when you buy art from an artist you’re not just buying one thing, you are buying a piece of a heart, a piece of a soul. A small piece of someone else’s life. A shared aspect from a part of the mind.
One of the grandest notions of being the owner of original artwork is that you can experience the depth of such creations anytime you like and share the experience with others who enter your domain. Art has a way of initiating conversation, breaking the silence in a room, and promote engaging conversation which can ultimately help strengthen a connection between people. This is just one of the powers of the arts.
So the next time you have the opportunity to buy from an artist do it. Why? Because you are getting more than just an object. You are getting what can become a lifetime of companionship, and truly that’s invaluable.
Was this article helpful in understanding the value of the arts? Does it help you identify the reason in buying original artworks from the artist?
My name is Katie v. Flowers. I am a professional practicing artist based out of Chicago, and I am Founder/Co-founder of the on-line artistic business services Promoters of The Arts! Promotion & Marketing for the Serious Artist. And, Funky S.a.K.com. We don't just sell art. We help you create your ambiance. Original Artworks/Art-prints & Downloads.
Thank you for reading my post, and leaving a comment. This action is always appreciated.
Best Creative Regards.
Katie
