How to talk to an Artist
Great collection of Q&A from
ARTnews Online
Are you a contemporary artist?
All living artists are contemporary.
What movement did you join?
Movements are art-historical labels, usually applied in retrospect to artists long departed from the scene. And don’t worry about being able to place an artist in a specific category. "People want to define you and say what you are and what you do," says Faith Ringgold, who works in a range of media, from quilting to painting to illustrated children’s books. "That’s why I like being an artist—because I get to define who I am and what I do."
You’re an artist? Oils or acrylic?
There are many forms of expression that fall outside the traditional categories of easel painting. A simple "Tell me about your work" is preferable.
Do you own your own gallery?
Artists usually do not own galleries; they work in studios. The two are very different.
Do you have any extra pictures you don’t want?
Do you ask bankers if they have any extra money they don’t want?
Your work is exactly like so-and-sos.
"Do you mean I’m not original? I’m derivative?" worries the artist.
It must be fun to play all the time. When do you actually work?
Ouch! This question is universally loathed. Artists understand very well that they’re not coal miners, schoolteachers, or insurance adjusters. But they work very hard—and consider their work to be work, not play.
Some good points and some silly ones -- more at the site.
I love Photography and Jen loves Weaving.
Do we want to make a job from our hobbies?
Posted by DaveH at June 4, 2005 6:15 PM