Reading 3: Critique Handbook

      In the third reading there was a section that talked about a big struggle artists deal with. This is making cliché work. The article brought up the contradiction that we are expected to do something original yet constantly told to refer back to other artists’ works. As students we have even been told to go ahead and copy famous artists because now is the time that we will get away with it. Maybe we are told this to give us a boost in thinking about our own work. However, if something is redone others may see it as boring or an easy way out instead of coming up with your own idea. The article also questioned whether it would be better for artists to isolate themselves from past work to avoid being unoriginal. I don’t think that would work at all. Whether or not you’re aware of the work, it’s likely that you’re being repetitive in some way. So many different kinds of work have been created and will be redone over time. I don’t think this is a problem as long as the artist and the audience is aware that there is still originality in each piece of work. Whether it’s the artist’s train of thought, technical skills, or layout of the end result there is sure to be at least somewhat of a different approach taken to what seems like a clichéd work.

Reading 2: Interpreting Photographs

    While the first reading was easier for me, this second reading is the one I find overwhelming. Being in art school we are constantly analyzing images. Normally, I get a natural reaction or intuition about a photograph. Then with that first reaction I look into the image more to interpret it. I never considered what kind of view I was having on a particular piece of work. I just always went with my feelings of it. Now, after looking at this reading, I'm aware that I actually can have categorized different views.
    What's overwhelming to me is that having a categorized interpretation of an image is a reflection of myself. When looking at art I am not looking at it from just a regular viewer's standpoint. I am in fact looking at it from a biased angle based on my own opinions and views. This is where the mention of significance and meaning come in. A piece of work most likely has some intention that the artist wants to relay to the viewers. This is what the artists means to show. However, each individual has a unique mind and different feelings about life in general. Therefore, each piece of work is significant to everybody potentially in a different way. I now am aware of the idea that an artist may never clearly depict a concept to their audience, solely because of unique interpretation standpoints.

Reading 1: In The Making

    I feel the main subject to remember throughout the reading In the Making is that art can be anything. It can come from anything, look like anything, and mean anything. There's a struggle in the art market because of this. Artists may be creating work without any idea who they are creating it for in a society as diverse as it is now. The reading pointed out the importance of artistic identity, which I believe will help with the diverse buyers. As an artist, you need to figure out what you want to accomplish and how you want to do it.
    Art can evoke many emotions and thoughts. Part of being an artist is trying to figure out what you want to say with your work. Though your audience is important, it is first essential to satisfy your own desires. An artist needs to be able to combine personal interest and intent with the viewers interests. This is where making artwork for an unknown audience is an issue. The reading pointed out that a piece of art doesn't do its job until it's recognized. I believe this means as an artist you need to do something to make your audience stop and see what you are trying to portray.