Comments on: Deep Thought Thursday: A misunderstanding?

By: Maite

Maite — Mon, 18 Jan 2010 07:13:54 +0000

As far as my art being misunderstood, I don’t have a problem with that. It’s up for interpretation and it’s so subjective, so NO, it’s not important, therefore I don’t feel that one has the “need” to be understood.

However, when it comes to art as a profession, it is important for people to understand it is not a “hobbie.” When we are juggling, family, children, etc..people tend to not see or appreciate that this is our career, not something we just do to pass the time.

By: dora

dora — Sat, 16 Jan 2010 15:46:01 +0000

I’m misunderstood in that people wonder how I could be doodling/playing all day long. And those people might be my family!
Honestly, I don’t care what anyone says about what I do, how I make my art or why, or my idea of how I see the world, because it’s just something I need to do. It’s not that complex.

By: Jamie

Jamie — Sat, 16 Jan 2010 14:38:02 +0000

Wow, great comments!

Rhomany, I totally agree with your point that while “…anybody could take that photo…”, THEY didn’t. This is always my answer any time I hear someone say “That’s not art! I could do that!” They didn’t, someone else did, and there it is up on the wall in the exhibit.

Misunderstanding about money, in my instance the mistaken belief that my work has no value because it’s “…just photography…”, is my biggest gripe. I don’t know how often artists in other mediums have to deal with this, but I get hit up ALL the time! Sometimes they dangle the carrot of “exposure”, but not always. This is extremely common for photographers, and while it’s often from big companies with plenty of $$, it appears to now be spreading to established art institutes that should know better. Too bad we can’t pay our mortgages or membership dues by giving THEM exposure!

Forrest, I like what you said about “unknown” vs. “misunderstood”!

By: Mark

Mark — Sat, 16 Jan 2010 03:09:13 +0000

We are all the ‘Artists’ of our lives and how we live and the life we create is our ‘Art’ as well as the drawings, paintings, sculpture, photography etc.

To be completely understood would diminish the wonder. Being sometimes misunderstood as an artist and a person is not at all a bad thing, it can keep people interested and wondering what is next!

By: Toni

Toni — Sat, 16 Jan 2010 01:45:51 +0000

Nancy, you put it perfectly!

By: Rhomany

Rhomany — Fri, 15 Jan 2010 23:44:24 +0000

@Patricia But ‘unknown’ and ‘misunderstood’ are not the same thing. ‘Unknown’ requires marketing, not education. Some people who misunderstand an artist might be educated to appreciate the work. Might. It’s more than likely a very small % that doesn’t warrant anyone lamenting about how misunderstood they are.

By: Forrest Long

Forrest Long — Fri, 15 Jan 2010 23:25:12 +0000

Some people are into art; some people aren’t. Maybe those who aren’t misunderstand artists, as well as their art. It’s no big deal. As an artist I don’t feel misunderstood- unknown maybe, but not misunderstood. Ok, sometimes I don’t understand myself, if that counts for anything.

By: Jeanne Guerin-Daley

Jeanne Guerin-Daley — Fri, 15 Jan 2010 22:21:24 +0000

Ditto from me, about what Will said. … that Tim and Jan hit the nail on the head!

By: Mary

Mary — Fri, 15 Jan 2010 22:20:48 +0000

After about 30 years as an artist a new friend said to me, “I’ve never understood artists. What kind of arrogant soul would think anyone cares about how they see the world? We all see the world differently and frankly, I’m just not all that interested in their minute but well studied view of their belly button or whatever they are trying to show me.”

I had nothing to say to this at that moment and I still don’t. It’s just a belief or a thought and doesn’t need my commentary…..but I think it does shine a light on the way some people think. And I have to say, it helped me see how little most people care about the average output of any artist other than as decoration and how rare a truly universal piece of art that touches other people deeply really is….

It also made me put down my brush for over a year while I considered deeply my motivations and my own aspirations as an artist, something I am still struggling with.

So yes, artists may be misunderstood but I don’t understand race car drivers endlessly circling a track either so it all comes out a wash for me…

By: Karen Thumm

Karen Thumm — Fri, 15 Jan 2010 21:22:38 +0000

My feelings are the same as Will’s. I also get a lot of condescending remarks wondering why I paint horses. They might as well be saying, “Didn’t you outgrow that adolescent infatuation when you left your teens?” As if it takes no skill, vision or maturity to paint a subject which is outside the accepted norm and is incredibly difficult to do well.