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"Her green plastic watering can

For her fake Chinese rubber plant

In the fake plastic earth"

 

These are the first lines of the song "Fake Plastic Trees" by Radiohead. The song goes on to talk about fake societal ideals, fake people, fake relationships, etc. And in the chorus is the sentiment: "It wears her (him/me) out."

 

Yes, we do live in a world where much is fake. We live in a world where much seems to be molded polystyrene - even people (to borrow another thought from the song).

 

But, it's refreshing to know that not everything is fake or plastic or from a mold. Much in this world is real and genuine and unique. Original art is one of those things.

 

I enjoy the real and the genuine. I love family. I love nature and I love art.

 

In a world where so much of what we consume is disposable and mass produced, there is a greater and greater need for things that last. There's a need for things that have real value. Objects that aren't mass produced, but rather are crafted with care. Things of beauty. Things of art.

 

Look around many people's homes. Many have mass produced disposable prints that speak nothing more than "I match the couch." Some have original and unique works of art that speak to them on deeper levels. Some hang prints that will fade and need to be replaced when they buy a new couch or paint the walls.

 

What about you? Do you have works of beauty, created by passionate hands, that has a palpable spirit which enriches your home?

 

Don't get me wrong. Not all prints are bad and not all original art is good. But, I'm speaking of the broader philosophy.

 

You are reading this because you do seek out things of beauty. You do seek out things that have deeper meaning. You enrich your life with things that speak to you.

 

It doesn't matter if you have just arrived at this point or if you have been here your entire life. It doesn't matter if you own hundreds of original works of art or if you are saving up to buy your first piece. The point is you are here because you know the value that art brings (or can bring) to your life.

 

Whether it is handmade jewelry, a hand-turned wooden vase, a quilt, handcrafted furniture, or an original painting (mine of course!) - when something speaks to you, you know it. You feel it. Those are the works you should bring into your home. They can add meaning to your life.

 

They won't replace real and genuine relationships. But, they will replace the fake plastic trees. They will enrich your life.

 

Best Wishes,

Keith Bond

 

 

Sometimes a piece of artwork has such a profound impact that you remember it for years to come. I can easily recall how I responded to a charcoal drawing of a funeral procession. The title of the drawing was The Dirge, but I cannot remember the artist's name. I haven't seen that drawing (or any image of it) for more than 14 or 15 years. But the image is ingrained in my mind. More importantly, the feeling is deeply ingrained. I remember staring at it for what seems like forever. It was probably 45 minutes or so.

 

Other times art is quickly forgotten. Even art that you like is often forgotten before long. Other art is dismissed as soon as you see it because it doesn't move you or perhaps you even dislike it.

 

My question is why? Why, or maybe a better question is how can some works of art move us so deeply while some are forgotten and others do absolutely nothing for us?

 

I think there are multiple reasons.

1. Language of Emotion. Art is a language that communicates on an emotional level. No words are involved, but there is a dialogue.
2. Subconscious Response. Something in the artwork taps into the subconscious of the viewer. It usually involves a memory, but it could also be an ideal, philosophy, or emotion. Often it is a combination of all of these and more.
3. Common Connection. One or more of these subconscious responses are shared between the artist and viewer. That shared connection was felt by the artist when the work was created and also felt by the viewer.
4. Genuine Sincerity. For that reason, it is important that the artist create with sincerity. The art needs to be a genuine expression. The subject needs to be felt. There should be deeper meaning for the artist. Only then, can a common emotional or philosophical connection exist between artist and viewer.
5. Unique Interpretation. This does not mean that the artist and viewer are the same. It does not mean necessarily that the emotion was felt in the same way. The interpretation may be completely opposite from one another. But, the key is, there is something that resonates within both parties on a deep level.

I want to be clear. I am not saying that art that doesn't move you deeply isn't good art. It may very well be. It may even be superb. But, we are all unique. We are each the product of our life experiences and philosophies. These combine in complex ways to contribute to who we are. We each respond differently because we are different.

 

The works that move you the deepest are the ones that you should add to your collection. I'm not saying thta you should only add works that you connect with at that deep of a level. There is enjoyment and enrichment that comes from any art that you like - at whatever level. But don't let those that you connect most deeply get away from you. They will be the prized pieces in your collection. They will bring your life a higher level of enrichment that you will cherish.

 

You are the sum total of all of your experiences.  Take this experiment and multiply it by every experience (good or bad) that you have ever had in your life.  These are the things you (and I) bring to the conversation.  How?

 

If an artist creates a work of art that communicates with you, it has most likely triggered a memory of something you have experienced or has struck a chord with your philosophies or your ideals.  In short, you respond because of the cumulative experiences that have made you who you are.  You don’t need to know exactly how or why a work of art spoke to you.  The artwork may even appear very foreign to your life experiences, but something in the artwork communicated with something within you.  A work of art is incomplete without your side of the dialogue.  You as the viewer complete the communication process. 

 

Now ‘listen’ to the artwork.  The message that you are taking from the artwork is probably not what the artist was saying.  Even if it was close, it would be viewed through your eyes, not the artist’s, and therefore would different (even if only slightly) from the artist’s point of view.  Therefore, if you engage yourself in the process, you can gain deeper insights by listening to what the artist is trying to say.  You may not be able to completely understand the artist’s intentions, but the conversation does not have to end with the first level of communication.  Art has the ability to go much deeper.  Look for it.  There is no right or wrong. 

 

Art is a very complex language, but it is magical.  It does have power to speak deeply.  If a piece speaks to you, engage yourself in the dialogue.  Go deeper.  Listen.  Respond.  It will enrich your life.

 

Best Wishes,

Keith Bond