Artists say they make art for a number of reasons.
OK, fine. And yes, I am still talking about critiquing art work. I found a museum that specializes in bad art. Have a link below.
Many artists say they can't help making art. Many of us started when we were teeny-tiny, like Akiane, a child prodigy, and so think we were genetically designed for art making.
(I think all kids have the potential to make art and most people can learn to make a decent painting, drawing, sculpture, etc. under the right circumstances.)
Many artists say that they are called to make art by a spirit that moves them to do what they do.
OK.
Hand-in-hand with artists who make some of these assertions are artists who shun criticism of their work.
They claim there should be no criticism of what God has called artists to make as Akiane says she was at age 3. They declare all the art is good because God (choose your own version of Him or Her) has led them to it and God only makes good things.
I respect people's beliefs, religious or otherwise, but I wonder if anyone should expect that their work will not be and should not be compared to the best that's around.
How do we know what is excellent if there is no horrendous? How do we know best if there is no worse?
Didn't God give us the ability to be observant, to think, and discern good from bad, even with art?
Bad art can sometimes be elevated to good art. We know about all that from our Art History classes. Here is a place that collects bad art. Check out The Museum of Bad Art. It could be the place where all of us could contribute something.
Joyce Owens' "Survivor Spirit", left, was commissioned by Louis Martin for Wanda Martin. I painted a male for them as well.
