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As you enter the Arts Council, you can see my parting there in the corner. |
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"Secret Life of the Sun" |
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Caught a few people looking at "Ordinary Day Petition." |
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| A few folks near "Untitled." The painting was not selected for the main show, but was hung as part of the non-winning entries. |
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| "Fortune In Your Own Words" was also hung in the non-winning entries portion of the show. |
I suppose it is human nature, or perhaps the area I am in, but people seem hesitant to look at my work. Maybe they don't want to be seen looking at nudes. Maybe it's some repressed cultural thing, that people can't see nudes in art differently than nudity. Maybe they cannot separate a nude body from sexuality. My intent in painting these figures is not to make sexual or erotic art. I'm certainly not trying to make anything "dirty" or pornographic. If someone takes that away from viewing my art, I'm sorry that they have misinterpreted. It also means they probably have misjudged. I can't do anything about that unless they wish to discuss it with me further, and I would welcome that opportunity.
There is a long history of the nude human form in art, in various forms. I would speculate that one of the first things to be drawn or otherwise represented in art was a human form. I am continuing in that tradition in my own work. I do it because I think the human body is beautiful. Because I think it is inspiring. Because I like to draw, paint and photograph the human form. And because I am human too.
So when I go to shows that display my art, or open my studio as part of First Fridays at the Wayne Co. Arts Council, I don't get too terribly offended when people look past my work. They may take a quick glance or make a remark about the colors, but rarely linger and observe. I understand. I get it. It makes them uncomfortable, for any number of reasons. Maybe it's because they are uncomfortable with their own bodies. Maybe they are uncomfortable with nudity. Maybe they can't separate nudity and sexuality. Maybe they don't want anyone seeing them. Maybe it effects them in some other way. Maybe they just don't like what I do. It's fine. Really.
I make the art that I want to make. I make my art for me. I make art because I have to make art. It's one of the reasons I exist. I make art.
That being said, it is incredibly awesome to receive recognition and accolades and even awards for my work. It is an amazing feeling to have someone tell you that they like...even love your work. It is one of the most unbelievable things when someone tells you that you are one of their favorite artist. (Thank you, I am humbled.)
So I thank the juror for selecting my work. I thank the Beaufort Arts Council for hanging my work. I thank the beautiful people at the Wayne County Arts Council for supporting my work. I thank all my friends and family who have supported me and my art. I thank everyone who has taken the time to talk to me about my art. I thank anyone who has read this blog. And I thank the special people who have inspired me in art and life.
Thank you all.
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