Without getting into who's right and who's wrong (always the other guy), getting "political' with one's customers is a chancy thing.
I was offered a part in a major gallery show, if I would do political art. The name of an artist who had done such art years ago was referred to me. I contacted the guy and asked about making political statements in his art. He replied:
"So what can you do? You could do some political art...Say you put Newt Gingrich in the trash can, Sarah Palin or Obama... Depending on your politics. It does get attention but it has a down side too. If you trash George Bush....for instance you lose the money market...The Bankster Republicans have all the bread now and I don’t want to work for them."
I replied to him:
"Thanks for your reply. If XXXXXX gallery wants cutting edge political art, I ain't his stalking horse. I could agree to make general statements about how bad all politicians really are because that might be more timeless and/or timely. There is certainly sufficient (proven) topical stuff to use from both parties. Have you noticed that, the former Speaker of the House, Nancy Pelosi's face lift might fit well in a Day of the Dead piece? Conversely, John McCain's (sometime) skeletal features might make him her dancing partner. At the end of the day, I agree with you that politics is a short dead end street."
The problem with making political statements -verbally or visually- is that you might offend the one who's trying to keep your rice bowl filled. See Webster's Dictionary: "unproductive" and "waste of time."
Thought his comments worth sharing.
Jim
PS. Here are two photos of the piece that caused the invitation. The piece is entitled: End of Childhood.
Replies
Your Yata, Yata, Yata piece is political without leaning left or right. (I love it by the way). Pieces like that are the safest. I have never understood why anyone would want politician's images in his/her home unless they are a relative.
Thanks for your kind reply. You are correct, Yata, yata, yata was a neutered political comment. I thought it over, before I finished, and toned all the party affiliation keys out. That act allowed me to avoid shooting myself in the foot. Remarkably, the piece sold quickly . . . proving the point.
Geri, I am not a Art Fair Insiders operational guru. I went to "your AFI page," pressed all the buttons and could not see (find?) photos of your work. Fact is, am I correct, you are a sculptor? Where can I see what you make?
Have a great day . . .
Jim