Is It Any Good?

For many of us who potter happily amongst our paints, papers (or pixels) creating works of ART? ....there often comes the point where you want to know if what you create is any GOOD!
And how might that be determined?  Is it just the approbation of your family and friends, is it when you successfully get a piece published in a magazine or is it when your artwork is accepted into a gallery exhibition?
I don't know and I suspect for each and every artist the yardstick of approval is different.

In my case I am tickled to death to have had a number of pieces accepted into different gallery shows over the last 8 months, both locally on Long Island, in Brooklyn and also across the way in California.

For me, the acceptance of my artwork into shows, juried by people who know me not at all, is a particularly important tick in the right box!

That's not to say that the 'scrunched husband face' test does not remain a valid personal indicator of whether or not a piece is any good but sometimes it's nice to know that others who are not near and dear and hold no personal bias share the same opinion about what you do!

Just my thoughts on a quiet sunny morning before I head to the beach......

And if you are so inclined, feel free to comment and share your thoughts on 'validation' and where it comes from for you!

The Firelight Series - inspired by the recent bushfires in Australia is due to hang as part of an exhibition in May at the Long Island Art League.

Comments

[Hextautty]

viagra, verify my site. If you are interested in guardian, perceive.

[vivian]

amazing marie, loved seeing these on your site today. would loge to see them in real..

[Catherine Witherell]

Hi Marie! I am back and here. I think these are good.

One of the ways I measure that something I make is good is my artsy friends like them, or want them. Another way is that they sell but of course sometimes the expensive ones don't for awhile.

[Jen Crossley]

These are amazing They really touched me as they did remind me of the fires before I even read thats what inspired you
Jen

[magpie]

wonderful question, wonderful comments. there's such a disconnect for me between the creative act and getting it out there i think i just gave up on "getting shown". passive has always been my m.o.

doing the work - taking photos - gives me enormous satisfaction and keeps me happy. i'm certain that some kind of recognition would add to that but i always have an excuse - lack of time, fear, laziness all combine. sigh.

incidentally i've tagged you for a meme..with a meme?...on a meme? i'm a meme virgin and unsure of the protocol or if this is as lame as a chain letter.
Let me know? (for me it was a nice kickstart)

magpie
http://magpiesbeads.blogspot.com/

[Judy Wilkenfeld]

I think these are amazing and even before i read to the end of the post - they reminded me of australia and in particular the bushfire in Vic - then I read the last 2 lines - so there you go.

[rivergardenstudio]

I love these trees... and I laughed at the scrunched husband face! Yes...I have seen that too! Roxanne

[robruhn]

Before I even saw the titles, your wonderful paintings brought instant bush fire memories to mind, you've captured the essence so well. If other people enjoy looking at what you've created or it stirs up an emotional response, then I think you've made it.
So glad you're getting time with your boys. The weather has been beautiful over this side of the country too.

[Lennie]

Oh, one other thing. Your tree pieces are lovely and, as usual, I have found inspiration here on your blog. I have many photographs of trees and never a good idea what to do with them, but an idea is forming now!

[Lennie]

I have been thinking along these very same lines recently. Validation is wonderful and a great ego boost -- it's exquisite to have someone offer a heartfelt compliment -- and I find it particularly warming when it comes on a piece of art that I know truly reflects what I want to do, rather than what I think I should be doing. The older I get the more I realize that I should not be actively seeking validation but rather should just enjoy it when it comes and not fret if it's not constantly forthcoming. I think there is an inherent insecurity among artists about what we create and our talents, and it's really important to get to the point where we're at peace with ourselves. Then we can truly bask in the praise when it comes and not even notice when it doesn't!

[Seth]

These are absolutely gorgeous. The tree silhouettes, the color blending, the palcement! Some of your best work in my opinion. And congratulations on the exhibitions. That is fantastic! And interesting thoughts about artistic acknowledgment too.

[Deborah]

Oh, they are awe-inspiring...I know they are of Australia, but I almost expect to see an elephant under the last tree. Congratulations on your well-deserved success! **blows kisses** Deborah

[nancy donaldson]

Hey Marie,
beauty is in the eye of the beholder.
When I create, it is my meditation,
my therapy, my happy place!
It just comes to me and sometime I like what i've done and sometimes i don't.
It always surprizes me when someone is drawn to one of my works and their take on it, what it means to them and how it makes them feel.
And for that is why i love to create!
I love the new series, as usually i am drawn to your work and love it!
nancy

[Nancy Gene Armstrong.]

I love them. You have such a connection with trees in your work. They really speak through your art. I am so glad you are getting into so many shows.
The book is out to.and I thought your part looked so good.
Congrats!
Nancy A.

[lyle baxter]

marie I dont know you personally but I do know when I like something and think its good! yes the aussie fire paintings are great. I'm sure they'll sell while on exhibit if not before. lyle