Geneva Art Show
Guess what? I did not see a single cow painting at the Geneva art show that we attended yesterday. How refreshing. I was impressed with the selection of fine art displayed and would have purchased many pieces if I myself were not a “starving artist.” Of particular interest was an artist named Tommy (yes, I obtained his approval before mentioning him on my blog.) He painted abstract, three-dimensional squiggly, organic things. I was struck not only by the simple, repetitive beauty of his art, but by his sense of humor and personality as well.
Here’s a scenario. I picked up a shrink wrapped painting from a bin, turned it over and began to read how this artist achieved his dimensional effects. A man approached me and said, “I can tell you about that.” And we began to talk. The man, Tommy, explained that he heats the paper to 180 degrees and applies thick layers of acrylic paint, followed by washes of of various colors.
His title on one work was “Aliens Pushing Pink.” According to the artist, aliens came to earth and realized that the color pink was ignored or sparingly used at best. So the aliens figured that pink must be a rare commodity, decided to collect it all and take it to their home planet. The piece depicted colored circles coralling clouds of pink pigment. It was funny and creative. I wondered if he really believed in aliens and their capacity to evaluate color.
Funny thing is, all of his work looked very similar. Pink spheres, green spheres, brown and yellow spheres. The color schemes changed but the “subject” was the same. The circle theme alternated with another prominent motif of squid like shapes. Again, painted in various color palettes.
He mentioned that he could produce two painting per day. He told me he listens to Kenny G. and Bocelli when he paints. He mentioned that he uses his own saliva as a thinner. Maybe, just maybe, this was too much information. I liked hearing the stories behind his art. I don’t particularly enjoy Kenny G. Questions began to parade around in my mind. If I purchased one of his pieces would I associate it with Kenny G? I would rather purchase a piece that was shrink wrapped than be exposed to a work that utilized the invisible dried saliva of a relative stranger. And two paintings per day? Is that “assembly line” art?
The prices were affordable, the art was appealing, the guy was interesting and likeable. I still might purchase some of his work when finances become less problematic. The questions raised are hovering in my consciousness. Is art about uniqueness? Should all of the story be told? Are affordable prices the driving force? Is painting a common theme merely redundant or is it a niche? I really have no answers.
Any thoughts?
on July 29th, 2007 at 9:30 pm
I definately believe that art is about a persons own uniqueness (if that’s a word) & creativity. By the guy telling people he uses his own spit as a paint thinner – eh too mich info. in my opinion but, that’s just me! Maybe to him that means in all actuality that a part of him is in each piece. However, I think by mass producing things on a level of you can produce two paintings a day – either a) you have too much time on your hands or b) you’re not putting enough of your own self expression into it. I am not an artist by any means – you either got it or you don’t – I definately – don’t! So I’m not really a great critic. However, art in itself is amazing to me. No matter whether you like Monet, DaVinci, Pollock or Degas – there’s always something that brings you to that particular piece that strikes you and in my opinion – you have yet to create something that doesn’t have me sitting here staring in awe over your talent!
Obviously it’s been passed down to the boys too which is awesome in itself!! I wish you and mark the best in everything and hope that you keep on creating new pieces for me to oogle over!