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When is art, art?
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Message
Posted
Thank you all for your thoughts and insights. I had no idea that there are so many different views of what art really is.
From my side, I accept that some of my work is 'art' and, by definition, that must make me an 'artist'. Good or bad is irrelevant. However, sometimes I see an inspiring image that fires a spark somewhere deep inside and I become excited at the prospect of trying to copy that image as accurately as I can. I don't do it just to create a picture, and definitely not to sell one. Nor is it done to give me something to hang on my wall, as they all end up in my 'finished' box under my desk. The subject matter is often not the sort of subject anyone would have hanging on a wall. No, these pieces are done for the challenge of doing them, the enjoyment of being engrossed in a complex picture, and for the thrill I get when I see the finished article. These pieces in my opinion are not 'art'.
Note: At the time of posting this I was unaware of Alan's feelings with regards to my earlier comment. Had I been, I would not have insensitively tried to continue with the discussion.
Edited
by John Johnston
Posted
What a absolute tragedy we have lost the most able member of this forum . Unfortunately it’s now going to be very difficult for anyone wanting advice about there work and help in identifying paintings etc . Alan has for years given so much to the users of this forum in the way of support and advice to the point of working with some people individually.
The bottom has just fallen out of this forum unfortunately, so sad that one of the longest serving members feels that he cannot continue due feels so insulted . Don’t know what happens from here onwards but I really don’t want to continue this discussion.
Posted
Alan, I hope you will accept my apology. You're right, my 'sigh' was unnecessary. It wasn't directed at you but the numerous times my question has been interpreted as me asking for advice, which I wasn't. I haven't worded some of my posts as well as I should have and it has resulted in most replies offering me advice or reassurance or warnings about Copyright infringements.
I shouldn't have dived in with such a contentious question .... with my experience of forums I should have known better. I'll leave the matter here, with apologies to all.
Edited
by John Johnston
Posted
Alan, It would be such a great loss for everyone, including myself, to lose your valuable advice and guidance. Your guidance has helped me reach the point where I am at now with my art and I am sure it is true for many of the members here. The greatest gift is to pass on knowledge. You have certainly give me the knowledge to better my art. I hope I have said it, it has always been appreciated very much and thank you.
Posted
I hope you'll reconsider Alan. You and Robert provide the backbone for this forum, you're needed, you make it an interesting and rewarding place to visit. If there's a question that CAN be answered (unlike the subject of this thread), you will most likely provide it, plus the encouragement that goes with it.
A forum is a conversation, but an odd and clumsy way to conduct one. If we were all sat in the same room together, misunderstandings could quickly be resolved.
Posted
Oh dear, Mr Bickley, you should return. You have helped many of us and readers of TA/LP and should continue to do so.
The problem with the structure of the forum, which is probably unchangeable, is that when you first click on "Forum" you see a list of latest posts, and the sub-forum title is not clearly evident. So Work in Progress and Works for Critique are mixed up together with General Discussion etc. This can confuse the perceived motivation for the post. (see, I can't even express this properly, apologies in advance!)
So I wish for Alan to return and for John to pose other philosophical questions, now and then. I for one appreciate them both.
Edited
by Norrette Moore
Posted
I’ve just ploughed through this again, and would like to voice my support for Alan whose work, comments and articles in TA I always look forward to. This site in general would not be the same, both appealing and informative without him. He has given some helpful and mostly positive comments on my work over the years and I feel I have learnt from his advice in oil painting in particular.
Over the last few years some of the discussions here on the Forum have got a bit out of hand and I think we need to think hard before posting. That’s the trouble with t’internet- very easy to type something you might not say to someone’s face!
So Alan, please reconsider or there may be a few more of us follow you through the door.
Posted
Al, darling……you can’t abandon us, or the forum!
You are our “go to” art encyclopaedia…..you keep us on the right track when we ask, or in my own case, even when I don’t. I appreciate your honest and yes, sometimes firm reply but that’s for me to deal with, not you. The fact is…… your advice, encouragement, honesty and experience more than make up for any sensitivities we may have.
This isn’t a boast in any way but I probably know you better than most, and all you have wanted to do is make people understand that your own art, is your own art. However it comes about or the end result, you are creating something that is yours. Express what you feel and see…..and in your own words to me many a time….”just get on with it will you.” 🐗
So, I’m afraid you will have to stay!