WHAT IS 'GOOD' ART?

What is art? I know that’s a big, debatable and somewhat philosophical question but I’m serious, what constitutes art for you? As an artist and creative, it’s something I’ve obviously thought about and looked into quite a lot over the years. But, I thought I’d Google it and see what the internet seemed to think. The answer I got is probably as debatable as the question itself but, here it goes… According to Wikipedia, ‘Art is something that can stimulate an individual's thoughts, emotions, beliefs or ideas in some way through the senses’. Well, that’s very broad and all-encompassing, right? So my next question is…What is ‘good’ art?

Now, I’ve ‘click baited’ you a little here with the title of the blog! If you expected me to give you the answer or some definitive formula for making ‘good’ art then I apologise. That’s a much harder, personal and more subjective question! A question I guess, every artist and art lover has asked themselves at some point. And one I’m asking myself a lot recently as I walk further down the path of creating and selling my artwork. What makes art ‘good’?

Is ‘good’ art based on the number of sales or the value of a piece? What a critic tells you is ‘good’ or ‘bad’ maybe? Or, is it more down to the feeling or emotional response it can conjure in the person witnessing the art? Well, that’s up to you to decide of course but, for me, it’s definitely the latter! I think it’s about connection! So, as an artist, when someone connects with something I’ve produced it’s a huge buzz and incredibly flattering.

DO NOT DISTURB!

I was surprised and lucky enough to have this happen recently. I was contacted by a woman who it turns out had seen some of my work on the walls of a mutual friend’s house and ‘loved them’. The mutual friend in question had purchased three pieces from me a couple of years ago as large format, black and white prints. The images were from a larger series called ‘DO NOT DISTURB’ which can now be seen, in full, in the PROJECTS section of the site.

After some brief pleasantries over the phone, we spoke about how much she connected with the shots. How she was at a point in her life where she felt burnt out and needed to slow down. She described how she felt the images spoke to her, and how they even could’ve been of her. Somehow wishing she could just shut the door on the world for a while, disappear into the pages of Vogue and dream of another life. It actually turned into a little bit of a therapy session. I’m sure she won’t mind me saying that as she really did seem to feel a connection and genuinely appreciate the shots. So much so that she purchased copies of the prints for herself!

I’ve only ever sold my work privately and never really in any great numbers. I don’t have an online shop or representation from a gallery. One day I’d love to have collections, books and exhibitions but feel I’m a long way off that. I’m still trying to find my way and my voice as an artist. So to get this out of the blue contact and validation from a fellow human being that appreciated and connected with my art enough to want to buy it, was exciting and humbling and only makes me want to create and sell more of my art in the future. Maybe it’s time to consider some sort of Creative Nowhere Land shop?

I’ve kind of lost track of what the point of this blog was. I feel like I’ve just boasted a little that I’ve sold some work as an artist. Well, that wasn’t my intention but yeah, I’m buzzing I sold some work and got a little validation for my art. It helps combat some of that imposter syndrome that kicks in from time to time! So sue me!

THE ART OF CONNECTION - HOW TO MAKE GOOD ART!

Oh yeah! I remember where we were going with this… How to make ‘good’ art? Honestly? I’ve got no idea! We all know that what makes art ‘good’ is entirely subjective. I don’t think there’s a magic formula to it. If there was, then everyone would be doing it. The only advice I can give is to make work that you love, that you connect with, that triggers your emotions and art that you would have on your own walls. Then share it with the world. You never know what magic the universe has in store for you if you just put it out there.

Wow, if you’ve read this until the end then I salute you! I’m not sure I answered the question very well, that might have originally ‘click baited’ you into reading the blog, or maybe I have? Take from this what you will. I’m just trying to document my journey as an artist and hopefully inspire some of you along the way.

Thanks as always for reading and for your support! If you haven’t already then please sign up for the newsletter below to stay up to date with all things Creative Nowhere Land. You can now also follow on Instagram if that’s your thing! Until next time, Explore, Inspire and Create!