make art, not Art

My figure drawing teacher (David Schoffman) told the class once: "Why make 'Art' when you can make 'art'?" or something like that. Basically, he had a problem with critics and novices slapping the capital "A" on "art." Just like that, in his usual comical and high strung way, he taught us the difference between the two. "Art" was more commercial, and "art" was personal.

He's right. A few days ago I wrote in my Lang-8 journal that my art was purely hedonistic and that that worried me. However, now that I remembered Schoffman's words, I am comforted. What if I made art purely for myself? What if I made art for art but not Art for critics? I don't care. Ah, but therein I find the stereotype of the "starving artist." No matter. I've prepared myself for that route more or less.

*starving artist: an artist who sacrifices material well-being in order to focus on their artwork; one who is also extremely attached to one's pieces

I admit: I love my stuff. I am to my work as Vermeer is to The Allegory of Painting.

My stuff is my legacy. 'Nuff said. Word.

Actually, on second thought, I'm not a "starving artist." Rather, I am a hedonistic artist. That's a world of difference!

Posted by miyavicake at 12:53 AM