I have dontated countless pieces of my work to causes that seem to call on a weekly basis. But art has become nothing more than cheap entertainment for these fund raising events and lead you to believe that there is something of culture involved with the event. I have never attending one of these benefits where the art and artists were anything more than a side show for what are basically networking sessions for upwardly mobile socialites where wine and ordurves take center stage above all else. Artists know this and artwork donated is usually of second quality because of it. The promises of promotors that the artist will "get a lot of publicity" is just not true. I've been hearing it for more than forty years. If anything it may take hurt the artist by fulfilling the desire for a potential customer to own a piece of art. The artist may well be donating himself out of a potential customer.
I'm not against raising money for good causes and I still donate to most of them that come calling but the artist doesn't deserved being reduced to a Side Show Bob where wine is being spilled over the table next to the artwork and that case of oil that was donated by AutoZone. Donating art is not like giving something for auction that is manufactured. The artist puts down every stroke to the best of his or her ability and that takes time. More than that, the artist whether good or bad, tries to speak through his or her art and most of these events and auctions totally drown out everything the art has to say.
1 comment:
Though I don't have a lot of views on art charity events as I've not attended one, I do feel that good art has a real and tangible value to buyers who genuinely appreciate art for what it is, and a good part of which could be lost if art is presented at events patronised by people who are there with the wrong mindset.
I regularly read painter's blogs and art forums for knowledge, information and different artistic opinions. Earlier this year, I laid down the conviction that I was going to paint regardless of everything else. As someone who has the intention to paint for life, this is by far the most informative blog on painting I have come across. I've read all your entries in one seating and am just astounded at how much I've learned and enjoyed from your blog. Your thoughts are so clearly and elaborately conveyed through your words, even just a sentence or two at times, speak volume to me as a reader, and almost every single entry sets me into thought. Your advice has truly increased my courage to PAINT. I have written down your gems of advice and will be putting them up at my painting area as constant guides.
I just wanted to say I truly and greatly appreciate your time spent posting these entries online on your blog. Thank you for sharing your insights. I will be coming back here regularly for sure.
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