Grass & Glass I would say that this is a question long pondered throughout the centuries that humans have populated the Earth.

After much debate and philosophizing, I doubt that we have a clear cut answer even yet.

Maybe the wise saying ,
“Beauty is in the eye of the beholder”, is all we need to remember.

Many of the subjects I choose to photograph or paint would not be considered “Beautiful” by all viewers, but isn't that the great thing about art?

Artists don't have to agree with the masses or even each other. The making of art is a very selfish endeavour, and so it should be if one wishes to be true to one's self.

How many artists have had to defend their work over the centuries?
Most of them I should think, especially those who dared to go against the current trend.

For example the French Impressionist painters were protesting against the academies and the strict regulations they placed upon artists.
Artists such as Monet, Manet, Cezanne and Degas chose subject matter not considered to be appropriate by the academicians, and art critics of the day.

Did they knuckle under?

No, they did exactly the opposite.
They set up their own exhibitions instead, and said “Hey, if you want to see something new and fresh, come and look at what we are doing?”
That's what the public did and the critics ate crow!
 

In Canada we saw a similar shift by The Group of Seven artists and their associates.

Before the Group of Seven formed, most artists worked independently in a very European style...one which was considered to be “acceptable” by the art authorities.

Why did they feel they had the duty or right to dictate to the public what “good art “ was?

The short story is that despite the scathing reviews by many Canadian art critics, the Group of Seven followed their own path, held their own exhibitions and eventually won over the public. To this day, they are the most beloved, remembered and collected artists in Canadian art history.

Funny how things work out isn't it?

“To thine own self be true”, is a good saying to live by...especially if you are an artist.

Be brave!

Experiment, go off in any direction you see fit without approval from anyone.

“Sales” are not the mark of success;
it's being an independent thinker and doer who leaves their unique mark behind when they are gone.

That's what is important. Don't let anyone dictate to you what you should create.

If they try it just say politely, “It's been interesting talking you.

See you around.”
 

Subjects jump out and grab my attention; it's not me actually seeking out something new.

I just put myself out there and get “ambushed” by great stuff to look at.

Sounds simple doesn't it?

Well, it is actually.
 

Keep your mind open and let yourself be struck by the “beauty” you see, no matter where it's found.

If you have looked over the galleries on my website you will see that I have explored quite a lot over the years.

It was all fun!

I never consider any series of work to be finished, and at any time it could resume and go beyond where I left off.

I always say
“I don't paint anything I don't like”, and that is the truth.

We're only dancing on this earth for a short time, so enjoy it and do it YOUR way.

It works for me!

© Blair T. Paul, all rights reserved
edited and produced by: C. MacFarlane Photography