In The Making

I am an artist, this is true. And like any individual who is passionate about creating artwork, I have asked myself these questions before – Why am I an artist? What is art’s function in society? The truth I have come to understand is that there are no real answers, or formulas for equating success rates or ways to determine whether or not your art with impact anyone at all. Linda Weintraub doesn’t even give any real answers to the questions in some of the articles I read. They were just long, drawn out commentary on what the artist was trying to accomplish and what the viewer/reader should feel. I felt like she was just pushing her thoughts onto me the entire time I was reading, and was very disheartened by it. I would even be as bold to say that she doesn’t act like she really gives a damn to explore these questions in the least (from what I have read).

This reading also made me feel like I had very little impact on the civilized culture around me, which is true, but nobody likes to be knocked off their high-horse.. On page 122, she goes on to say that sources of inspiration can be everything, can come from anywhere, yield artwork that can be made by anyone, anytime. And if it isn’t art in the first place, people can call it that and transcend their normal role in society to the level of the profound artist (When I first heard of the Duchampian concept of ‘pictorial nominalism’, I was blown away. I could use this idea to help channel my inner turmoil and angst in my artwork as well as gain a competitive edge in art school. I think now after this reading, that it is more of a weapon used by the irresponsible and unpassionate pseudo-artists to gain acclaim). I feel she is dumbing down the role of the artist. By saying that art comes from all places and is inspired by all things, you could likewise argue that it also comes from nowhere and is inspired by nothing (if you would like to argue this, please comment).

This reading is 110% rubbish. And I'm sorry if you found it compelling; I mean that's cool, but I just spotted too many issues with Linda Weintraub's philosophies on what art is all about and how it needs to be accomplished. I don't feel the need to 'understand all the essentials' behind making contemporary art. I enjoy being lost. I enjoy all the jargon. And I enjoy taking the long short-cuts home.