I've attended art festivals just about all my life and when it comes to 2D art, there doesn't seem to be much of a variety. Landscapes, wildlife, portraits & still life. I have great respect for traditional art but it has come to the point where I have seen so many, I can't tell one artist from another. I live in Arizona but have traveled the west coast and I rarely can find more contemporary art. I don't have a problem finding quality contemporary art in high in galleries (their everywhere) but I struggle to find them in art festivals. Is it like this in other areas or am I just stuck in the wrong part of the country?
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Carol Joy Shannon
I think there is a general understanding of contemporary to mean something other than simple representational.
Oh is that so? An example would be nice of what you mean it to be, and I didn't say "simple representational".
I think there is a general understanding of contemporary to mean something other than simple representational.
Hah-Brian - if we got a dollar for every time someone said "I LOVE your work"!
In photography it seems like the same old same old also, Landscape Arch, Antelope Canyon, Eagle with wings a flapp'n, chipmunks, elks snort'n, bison, Italy, Greece, etc. People were very appreciative of my work this weekend as it wasn't the same ole thing! Now if they'd only buy like they appreciate! LOL
Vivian - I agree with you about preferring art fairs to galleries. So much more fun!
And, Brian - I also agree that since the shows are juried there should be a lot of "standout" work. But I have juried shows, too, and know that a diverse group, with "something for everyone" is also a consideration.
Karen- When I say contemporary I'm not talking just about abstract, it could be portrait, landscape, etc. What I mean is the technique applied. And you are right, it is about having something different from the rest. That was really my point but maybe I wasn't very clear, I'm a painter not a writer, lol. But why is it that we rarely find something that stands out at these festivals? Since they are juried shouldn't all artists stand out from the norm?
I paint architectural abstracts, cubist cityscapes, if you will, and I am usually very well received by festival attendees. They invariably say, "this is unlike anything else here." That is my stock in trade. It isn't WHY I paint this way, but it is certainly helpful to be unique. That said, the majority of buyers seem to be carrying home much more traditional work. Also, I agree that "abstract" per se, is a hard sell. It is difficult to connect. People need one small thing they can relate to, and most abstract art is too wild for that. Most casual observers truly believe their dogs could do it. (I have heard this said.) An abstract artist with real color and composition skills will connect with jurors and buyers.
I am also a figurative painter and you try and paint what you hope sells, but also what feeds your soul. Right now for me that happens to be ballerinas. I painted one and then another and another and so on..... But thankfully they have been well recieved. That is not to say that I don't paint other things, I do.
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