A short time back I was talking with a woman who was viewing some of my work. I asked her what she liked. “Oh, ” she said, “I don’t know anything about art. I really don’t know what I’m looking at.” It was difficult to get her to voice an opinion because she thought she didn’t know anything. Because of some know it all this woman didn’t think she was able to enjoy art.
How sad it is, that there are people who set aside their views and opinions because they ran into someone who made them feel as if their likes and dislikes did not count. And yes, I have had run-ins with folks like this too. There was a young lady who tried to tell me that Bob Ross (the TV art teacher who thought anyone could and should paint) should not be telling people that they could paint because only “artists” should be doing that.
So let’s get something straight here, I like art. I like when people like it. I think that anyone who has the desire should paint and draw and even sell their work if they like. I think that anyone who sees art they like should be able to purchase and enjoy it without being badmouthed by someone who thinks that only they are the art expert. If you want to paint or purchase art, I am not threatened, as some unfortunates are.
So, listen up, non-art people, this is for you:
“Non-Art” People Can Enjoy Art
1) Like what you like. Enjoy what moves you. Don’t apologize.
2) Even if you don’t “understand” a piece, if it somehow resonates with you, that’s good.
3) If you like a piece because of the artist’s story, that’s good. If you like it because of the story you see in it, that’s even better.
4) If someone gives you a hard time about your taste in art, that is their problem. You are the one who defines your taste, not them.
5) Buy what you like because you like it. (Unless it’s a gift, of course. But that’s a whole different story.)
6) Don’t be waylaid by someone who tells you that this or that piece is not a good investment. It’s your wall, hang what you like on it. (Who hangs their investments on the wall anyway?)
7) Don’t apologize. Like what you like. (I can’t say that enough, so I said it twice.)