Y’know . . . I took art classes for years. In middle school and high school. Even in college (as much as I could, given that I wasn’t an art major). I picked up classes again as an adult, once my kids were out of the house and I had more time. And you know what I learned? Technique. Technique. Technique. Perspective drawing. Shading. How not to make drips on my watercolor. And mostly . . . how to create “art” . . . that looked just like my instructors’ art!
I was told (directly and indirectly) over and over that . . . my more whimsical pieces were Not Real Art. That my embrace of the “watermark” was Not Real Art. That my (intentionally) skewed perspectives were Not Real Art. And – heaven forbid – that “mixed media” (my favorite “media”) was Not Real Art. (Which is why I have such trouble with the terms “artist” and “studio.” Because Not Real Art.)
I have spent a lot of time this year trying to unspool all of that in my head. I’ve been trying to quiet those voices and just play and have fun. It’s been a challenge. But I’m making some progress. (I’m calling it my Fu@k Y*u phase . . . )
It’s clear that I have . . . decades (a lifetime, actually) of whimsy trapped inside me!
It may be . . . Not Real Art.
But I’m having fun.
And doing it my way.
(Finally.)
Yes Kym! I love this place you have landed. Thanks your for all your courage and encouragement
Congratulations on your Fu@k Y*u phase! I really like your whimsical cats. The boys and I had a recent discussion about an art teacher they both had that sucked any fun and enjoyment out of art. She critiqued and criticized until neither one of them wanted to pick up a pencil or watercolors again. I think of that art teacher often (in a not fond manner) and hope that maybe someday my kids can enter their own Fu@k Y*u phases.
They are lovely and whimsical. You do you! And f-all to all the teachers who stifle creativity in the name of… whatever they think they are teaching.
Also, take a look at Jesse Petersen Art when you have a moment. She’s on your side – as much as an online mixed media teacher/mentor can be.
Of course your art is art! If Andy Warhol’s pop art paintings were art, anything is art. My SIL is an artist, and she embraces all art as any good artist should. So many teachers try to force students into little boxes squelching their imaginations. You do you, and enjoy every minute. Whimsy is actually one of my favorite things. It always makes me smile. 🙂
Your whimsical art is fabulous Kym! I love your cats and pumpkins and it is clear that you are having fun in the Fu@k Y*u phase you are now in. Glad you landed there!
I much prefer your whimsical art to a lot of what I see as the same stuff over and over again. Whimsy is fun and creative and inspiring to me! I say embrace the Fuck You phase of your creativity and let your art shine!
Wonderful whimsical stuff! It’s certainly real! I’m with Carole – let your ART shine! (Three exclamation points and an all caps – I apparently am in my Miss Climpson era.)