This week I learned a bunch of new things. The first thing is that one of my art pieces evidently needs an exorcism. Let me explain. I put my work out in a variety of places for critique with the sole purpose of learning. I love hearing a variety of different ideas as well as how the same piece can affect so many people in so many different ways. This week I put an Augmented Reality piece from a show on social media for critique. I hurt myself laughing at two of the criticisms, from a different image I sent, I will tell you about those below. First here is the piece.
I Miss You Daddy. Mixed Media, Oil and Pigment on panel by Tim ONeill
WOW! I know that many artists have the goal of creating something beautiful and there is honor in that. For me I want to create something emotional, something that communicates a message and reminder of all things good and hopefully that ends up as something beautiful. As Pindar says, the final pieces are merely records of the journey. The blessing is in sharing the journey, the communication. Like Pindar I am constantly deconstructing the creative process, not because I am bored but because I want to learn, to stretch, to grow.
Creativity is the ultimate communication with the Holy Spirit in my opinion. The resulting piece of art from that creative process reveals traces of God. Art has the power to heal, to influence, even to spark love through the influence and power of the Holy Spirit embedded in the art piece. Just because one uses machine learning or a robot in their creative process doesn't mean the art is void of human creativity. Sometimes one just has to look deeper into the process to see where the creativity and the love lies.
Last year when I was doing a show, I wrote the poem that goes with it. It is AR (augmented reality) so when someone points their device with the Artivive app installed a video starts playing with a boy reading the poem. Here is the poem.
Last year when I was doing a show, I wrote the poem that goes with it. It is AR (augmented reality) so when someone points their device with the Artivive app installed a video starts playing with a boy reading the poem. Here is the poem.
Created in Ideogram
Yikes!
So, the whole point of this is to recognize that everyone has a platform and a voice, we are more exposed than ever to a barrage of opinions. While constructive criticism can be a catalyst for growth, the digital realm is also rife with caustic comments from those who hide behind the anonymity of their screens. These critics, often more intent on tearing down than building up, can be a significant source of distress for many artists. It's essential to remember that art, in its very essence, is subjective. What resonates deeply with one individual might not strike a chord with another. However, the line between constructive feedback and downright rudeness can often blur, especially on platforms where brevity is the norm, and context is frequently lost.So, how do we navigate this sea of mixed reactions, especially when faced with particularly harsh critics?
1. Understand Their Perspective: Often, those who lash out or provide negative feedback without constructive input are projecting their insecurities or personal issues. Their critique is less about your art and more about their internal struggles.
2. Separate Yourself from Your Art: While your creations are an extension of yourself, they are not the entirety of who you are. Negative feedback on a piece doesn't equate to a critique of your worth or talent.
3. Seek Constructive Feedback: Surround yourself with a trusted circle of fellow artists, mentors, or friends who can provide honest, constructive feedback. Their insights will be more valuable than a thousand thoughtless comments online.
4. Healing Through Creation: Remember why you started creating in the first place. The process of artistry is therapeutic. Each stroke, pixel, or note is a step towards expressing oneself and healing from the inside out. When faced with negativity, channel those emotions back into your art. Commune with the Holy Spirit and let your creations be your sanctuary.
5. Limit Exposure: While it's essential to be open to feedback, consider limiting your exposure to potentially harmful environments. Curate your social media experience to be uplifting and inspiring.
In the end, the journey of an artist is one of continuous growth, learning, and self-discovery. While the world might be quick to judge, remember that your art's value isn't determined by the loudest voice in the room but by the passion, emotion, and authenticity you pour into it. I mean, who really matters when it comes to deciding whether you like one of your pieces or not?
Only you.
Created in MidJourney
Art History: The Secret World of Miniature Fore-edge Paintings
As I was doing some art history research. I ran across an article that reminded me of my foray into fiber arts, paper making and the book arts in the late 1980s. I love handmade paper and marbling. One of the more interesting and unique techniques in that discipline is fore-edge painting. It is a unique art form where illustrations are hidden on the edges of book pages. When the book is closed, you see nothing but the gilded or marbled edges. However, when the pages are fanned, a hidden painting reveals itself. This art form dates back to the 10th century and was particularly popular in England in the 18th century. These paintings often depicted landscapes, religious scenes, or even erotic art. The beauty of fore-edge paintings lies in their secretive nature, a hidden treasure waiting to be discovered. Click the image to see the video.
News and Play Items
Voiceling: Enables you to dub and translate YouTube videos using AI.
Glean: Tired of endless document searches? Glean is a combination of ChatGPT and Google for work. It instantly searches across all your apps and files and finds exactly what you’re looking for.
Play: Try merging a digital art piece with a traditional one. Paint or sketch a simple scene, then digitize it and use AI software to add elements or enhance certain aspects. Share your creations on social media with the hashtag #FusionArtistryChallenge.
Resources
Traditional Media: "The Artist's Handbook" by Ralph Mayer. A comprehensive guide to materials and techniques, perfect for artists of all levels. Click the image to view more details (my Amazon affiliate link).
AI Artistry: "DeepArt.io" - An online platform that uses neural networks to turn your photos into artworks based on different styles.
Digital Art: "Procreate" - A digital painting app for iPad. It's user-friendly and offers a wide range of brushes and tools for artists.
Digital Art Goes Rogue Summit Launch is coming.
Making progress AND we are almost finished with getting the library ready. I still have to record my short course but we are getting closer.
Digital Art Goes Rogue Magazine Cover contest.
DOES ANYONE READ THIS? We still don't have many submissions for the magazine's back cover. Surely there are some artists that want to share their amazing work. Check out the back cover contest for Digital Art Goes Rogue Magazine. We want to see your art. Follow the link for all the deets. https://digitalartgoesrogue.com/cover-art-contest/
Have an amazing week!
Thank you for being a part of the Fusion Artistry community. Stay inspired and keep creating!
TimO
