Serial Curiosity, or Don't Fence Me In.
I’ve been a visual artist for decades. And in that time, I’ve been called a feminist artist, abstract painter, printmaker, erotic artist, installation artist and digital artist. First, I was an unknown artist, then I was an emerging artist and finally, I became a mature artist.
Kinda like a chicken. Hatched and ready for the broiler.
In all the years I’ve been working, I’ve never had a “style” that stuck with me for more than five or so years.
I’m just too curious for my own good, I guess.
The benefit of having a style that you adopt in your twenties and stay with for the next fifty years escapes me. Sure, it’s great for your gallery because they can easily sell your work if you are the ____________ artist. Fill that in any way you like; color field, landscape, floral watercolors, glued macaroni.
“Creativity is more than a style.”
Whatever descriptive term you want will work. As long as you stick with it.
And don’t forget… the gallery system is no longer the only game in town. Artists can sell directly to the customer, originals, or prints. We can throw our own openings, real or virtual. We can reach audiences worldwide. Galleries are so 2020!
Don’t get me wrong, I have no problem with artists who do have a style that they stick with for many years. On the contrary, I admire that tenacity and deep commitment.
I’m just a little more polyamorous with my creativity. I love everything. Landscape, portrait, digital, oil, acrylic, printmaking - gosh, it has been a glorious ride. And will continue to be for a lot longer, I hope.
So I hope younger artists who may read this will be inspired and not be afraid to experiment. Go ahead! Make that sculpture out of tissue paper and Cheerios. If it makes you happy that’s all that counts - really. Please don’t listen to the naysayers that say you have to have a style and stick with it for forty years.
Do what you love. Make your own magic. Follow your own path.