Comments on: Empowering Art Viewers

By: Doris Diwouta Loth

Sun, 12 May 2013 11:38:22 +0000

Thanks ALyson It’s really amazing the tips you’re giving, I couldn’t imagine that I have to think like those who lookk @t my art and teach them something new.
I always let them watch and apppropriate the work and try to be me but they can’t be me or tthink like me.
Thanks again for your genuine ideas.
Doris

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By: K. Wayne Thornley

Sat, 08 Dec 2012 13:52:06 +0000

So true, so true. Honestly, other than my private, creative time in the studio making the work, I really enjoy watching people react to work at my shows and then approaching them to let them know I noticed their reaction (good or bad) and that sparks conversation. I always thank them for their comments and remind them that that is what creativity is about…expressing ideas, opinions, feelings…and that their opinions, informed or not, are just as valid as anyone’s because there are not right or wrong answers when it comes to how and why a piece of art connects with a viewer. (Side note: It is fun to have a partner in crime with you if you are doing a show, meaning someone the crowd does not know is part of your camp. Send this partner out as a drone to listen in on the REAL conversations people are having about your work. I have learned so much about how people thing about MY art and art in general from this little spy tactic.) Fun.

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By: Maria Paterson

Sat, 08 Dec 2012 02:48:33 +0000

Couldn’t agree more! How do people know, understand and appreciate your art apart from the initial subjective response, if they have never studied art. Teaching opens those doors to a deeper level of understanding in all subjects. How can your art have a value if a buyer can’t distinguish between a skilful meaningful artwork or a mass produced factory artwork for eg. Great blog!

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By: Laura

Fri, 07 Dec 2012 02:33:42 +0000

SO true! It’s even more challenging with Performance Art.

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By: cynthia jackson

Thu, 06 Dec 2012 14:52:17 +0000

I am one of your new followers on networkedblog.com. cyntiesblog. I enjoyed your article today. Good Advice !!!

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By: Joan Dorrill

Thu, 06 Dec 2012 13:22:02 +0000

Thanks you Alyson, for reminding us to rethink our artist’s statement and to help the viewer along the path of understanding how to look at art. I sometimes forget that some people are not used to seeing art of any kind and especially abstract and non-objective art. My new exhibit coming up in January will be accompanied by tags with more than the title and price as well as a single page artist’s statement with a small picture of me on it. I learned a long time ago that people do like to see what the artist looks like, especially if it shows you working in the studio.

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By: A Field Guide to the (50 Little) Birds « 50 Little Birds

Thu, 06 Dec 2012 03:29:16 +0000

[…] in her blog, Alyson suggested something that I already saw emerging from completing the activities in her […]

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By: Lucy Chen

Thu, 06 Dec 2012 02:57:05 +0000

Thank you for the advice, Alyson.

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By: Empowering Art Viewers « My Social Media Journal

Thu, 06 Dec 2012 01:43:32 +0000

[…] See on http://www.artbizblog.com […]

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By: Tittin Rinde

Wed, 05 Dec 2012 23:58:37 +0000

THANK YOU, great post Alyson!
This is the best advice or reminder I’ve heard for ages. It so completely clicked, going straight to the core of why we do, what we do. I mean, through creative work we all want to share, convey, communicate or create a reaction in some way, don’t we?
I’m lucky to live close to several wonderful museums on the French Riviera and often take visitors to the little Picasso museum in Antibes. There are always some who are bored and can’t resist the “my children could do that” remark. Instead of becoming annoyed, it has become my cue for bringing both Picasso’s work and my own work closer to the viewer. It usually brings my guest and myself closer too.
This comment got so long that I decided to stop here and continue the rest of my thoughts in a post on my blog “Backtracking slowly forwards”. http://tittin.typepad.com
Must not forget to mention that your post did wonders for seeing my artist’s statement in a new light. More work to do!
Thanks again, Tittin

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