ALL YOU THINK YOU SHOULD KNOW ABOUT ART, YOU ALREADY KNOW

Many people I talk to are unsure about art. They’re unsure what they like, and don’t- or are ‘allowed’ to like, or not. They’re not sure whether they are entitled, or financially able to buy art, or whether the reasons they want art in their life is valid. Because it’s pretty and it goes with the furniture? Is that a good enough reason? Because their friend made it? Shouldn’t it be an investment? And doesn’t that mean that I can’t afford it? Deep down most people who have any level of interest in art, whether it’s the Old Masters on display in the Rijksmuseum, or the new work that’s popping up on Instagram, know that the reason they love art is that it makes them feel something. It makes us feel connected. It makes us feel human. Part of my job as an artist is to help you feel confident in your own tastes, and certain that for whatever reason you want to have art in your life, that reason is real and valid.
You don’t have to explain or justify it to anyone.

Art is a three-way relationship, between the painter, the painting and the observer. This allows for as many variations in opinion and reasoning as there are people on the planet. Everyone’s opinion, and reaction, to every piece, is different. And each is equally valid. If you have an open mind, an interest, and a place in your heart, for art, you’re good to go.

Many of us are particularly intimidated by abstract art. We search for meaning, and often our inability to second guess the artist’s intent behind a piece leaves us defensive and maybe a bit snarky. Bricks?! In a pile? pah! What’s that about?! We think because we haven’t got an ‘ology’ or an art degree we have no right to walk into a gallery and have an opinion. Not true! We feel intimidated by the pressure to know what its all about; to ask the right questions ignorer to not feel stupid, to not pass out when we hear the price.

But really, I promise you, there are no right or wrong answers- it’s not a test. The only thing that matters is your experience with the art, and the only thing I would ask is that you take your time to just look, and BE with it.

A few more tips.

When you walk into a gallery, you don’t have to examine every single piece. Feel which pieces draw you in intuitively, and walk in close. Spend time with it, then pull back, spend some more time, and move on. Don’t worry too much about whether you like a piece. or not. Ignore notions of talent, value, good art, bad art. Think instead about how it’s making you feel. Uncomfortable? Uplifted? Angry, anxious? calm, or bored?

Instead of asking, what is it a picture of, ask, where am I feeling this in my body? Is it a visceral, cerebral or emotional experience? Am I feeling any tension, or ease, maybe. Are there any associations, or memories emerging?

You may find that there are curators or artists or other experts around but don’t be intimidated by them and don’t look to them for all the answers. Let them help you work out your own questions, and then think about your own answers. Remember, there are no rights and wrongs, whatever your high school art teacher told you.

Remember, what we see is influenced by how we see. Try and understand art from a different part of you. Truly understanding some pieces of art can take years. If you’re looking at buying art to live with long term you’ll see this as it’s unique value. Take your time. Think of it like learning a unique language. think of it as a gift to yourself; you deserve it.

Art is a three-way relationship, between the painter, the painting and the observer. This allows for as many variations in opinion and reasoning as there are people on the planet. Everyone’s opinion, and reaction, to every piece, is different. And each is equally valid. If you have an open mind, an interest, and a place in your heart, for art, you’re good to go.

Many of us are particularly intimidated by abstract art. We search for meaning, and often our inability to second guess the artist’s intent behind a piece leaves us defensive and maybe a bit snarky. Bricks?! In a pile? pah! What’s that about?! We think because we haven’t got an ‘ology’ or an art degree we have no right to walk into a gallery and have an opinion. Not true! We feel intimidated by the pressure to know what its all about; to ask the right questions ignorer to not feel stupid, to not pass out when we hear the price.

But really, I promise you, there are no right or wrong answers- it’s not a test. The only thing that matters is your experience with the art, and the only thing I would ask is that you take your time to just look, and BE with it.

Photography by Sarah Stone