"You know how you know you're an artist? It's like breathing, it's a necessity...but that doesn't make you a great artist. It just makes you an artist."
(Quote from WSJ interview Marina Abramovic)
Marina divides people into two classes: "originals" (like herself & a man I met on nature path who was tickled pink to be photographed - see image above) and "those who follow."
Marina exclaims with a laugh (according to he interviewer Alexandra Wolfe) that she has fulfilled these requirements: "I'm single, divorced, have no children, and spend much of my time traveling."
Naifeh and Smith's biography of Vincent Van Gogh captivated me for 868 pages. Vincent was a great artist. Vincent was lonely and sacrificed for his art.
What does it take to become a great artist, turns out to be a sobering question.
Have you ever wanted to be an artist of any kind? What held you back? What do you think it takes to become a great artist?
Thanks for exploring the mystery of art - Nicky Mendenhall
A. "Being a great artist requires total sacrifice of everything and loneliness." = Total BS.
ReplyDeleteB. Anyone who thinks they can define for everyone what is necessary to qualify as a great artist is full of BS.
C. I'm from Iowa. I've been to farms. I know from BS.
I find statements like those included in 'A' arrogant. Like Harlan Ellison's opinion that real writers write because they have to write, they are compelled to write. Pish-tush.
So I guess something in this post set me off!
Margaret - I'm glad you expressed yourself so energetically.
DeleteThank you. Let's see if anyone else is from Iowa.
Well now, what does it mean to be “great”?
ReplyDeleteGreat/good question Ruth. Do you have any sugestions?
DeleteI tend to agree with Margaret. such blanket statements are tricky to make. I do believe that solitude and silence are important to creativity, but being an artist these days involves so much more
ReplyDeleteIowans have sensitive bs detectors, huh?
Yes, Iowans know what is great. The next comment will prove that!
DeleteHere are few thoughts/ideas, and all make for “great” in the eye/ear/heart of the beholder:
ReplyDeleteA great friend is one for whom we have much appreciation, high esteem, deep love...
A great room a larger than the usual room, used for gathering of many people,
A great piece of music is any piece that we love...
A great blue heron is one of the larger herons...
A great time is one that we find filled with joys, pleasures, significant events...
A great show is a highly appreciated one, usually with a meaningful message or story or artistic value
So in the context of great art, are we talking about art that brings us upliftment or insight or pleasure, making a large impact on us?
in the eye/ear/heart of the beholder..
Now, my dear Nicky, what do you think?
Ruth - what a great list of thoughts and ideas. Yes, I think that great art enriches our lives in many ways. Art can touch us emotionally, spiritually, intellectually, and psychologically. And isn't it interesting how different each beholder's eyes, ears, and heart are?
DeleteHere's a couple thoughts I had on my walk in the rain shortly after I read your list of greats:
A great walk is one with trees on both sides of the path.
A great meditation is one when monkey mind takes a nap.
A great exercise session is invigorating.
Great fun Ruth. Thanks!