Living in a Window

Oil on Hardboard

It may not be a surprise to some, but it certainly is to many. A painting has some attributes of being a living thing, not in the traditional interpretation of such things, but more in the energy it projects from it’s creator. A painting has humanness— utilizing many skills and reflecting personality. The artist projects deep felt emotions based on life‘s ever changing experiences.

Most of us have had the opportunity to see a painting face on, and generally pretty close, even in a hotel lobby; but more fortunate viewers of art, witness paintings in museums. When you come face-to-face with an exceptional painting, it can become a mystical experience, difficult to share with others. Somehow this inanimate two dimensional object gives off an energy that is difficult to interpret. You can feel it, and in some cases it reaches beyond your mind, to your core. It permeates an energy way beyond its self-contained structure and it doesn’t require much of the viewer, to tune in.

I saw an exhibition of the art of Arshile Gorky. The show, presented his life’s work. I found many of his works to be disturbing, this had nothing to do with the subject matter even his famous painting of his mother gave off an uncanny energy. Gobs of emotions and feelings came forth inside me, and it wasn’t the subjects so much. I could understand completely if I were looking at the emotionally charged works of Francis Bacon. It wasn’t until later, when I read the biography of Arshile Gorky did I come to terms with the emotions I felt. His life exemplified what we consider to be trials and tribulations, and he had plenty of trials thrown at him, it’s no wonder his paintings gave off so much energy, much of it conflicting.  I suspect that’s because his heart was into the work itself, but his emotions were loaded with disappointments, sorrows and pain, which seemed to suffuse his art.

My art lives in a window.

It’s mostly viewed through the glass of handheld devices. Disappointingly as this may be, I guess I have to take solacement in knowing that the vast majority of people, that will ever view my art. will only see it on their phones.

A work of art has a very short life on the Internet, it only becomes truly relevant when it’s hanging on the wall of a museum or a well appointed home. The museum experience can be fleeting unless it’s part of a permanent collection.

We make art, first for ourselves, and then for those who care for it. Perhaps an art collector, an interior designer, or most often a family member or a loved one. This is where; for the artist, it becomes the most rewarding.  Envision the joy and pride one feels when their work is evocative enough to grace the walls of an individual that can relate to the art itself, both intellectually and emotionally. When the collector is willing to acquire the art for self indulgence, the rewards are not just monetary.

The greatest joy comes from, and hopefully, the inevitable feedback. “ You’re art gives off such a wonderful and insightful energy, it seems to fit, and often elevates my mood.” This phenomenally happens, only when, the patron-viewer and the art meet face to face, upfront and personal.  Not Living in the Window.