There’s no doubt about it – the final message from Lenore metrick-chen, my former docent instructor, has changed my relationship with art.
Here are her wise words:
“The main idea is that you need to start with the art – ask questions of the artwork, see what questions it leads you to ask. Eventually you might ask a question that requires an answer within the artist’s life, or within a broader cultural understanding or one that needs more history – and then of course by all means continue research outside of the art.
“But the biography of an artist is not an explanation of the art. It is not the meaning of the art (which changes each time you develop your understanding by asking another question).
“Start with the art.”
She suggests, “after an initial meeting with the art, we read as much as possible. Biography. History. Art Critics. Not to explain the art but to let it speak even more fully.”
It is a shift for me to relate to art for itself. There’s no secret formula for deciding whether of not the art is good. I’m feeling excited that an art object is as worthy of attention as any person I meet. I don’t judge people by their parents, why should I judge an art work by its creator.
The more time we spend with a person, the better we know them and the more we can step back and let them speak for themselves. I bet it will be the same with an art object. “Long looking” is recommended by Jeanette Winterson in Art Objects.
Does any of this make sense to you? Will this change your relationship with art? How? Please share so we can learn from you. Reply to this email or click on the underlined exploring the mystery below to access the comment section.
Thanks for exploring the mystery – Nicky Mendenhall
3 comments
Yes, this makes a lot of sense to me. I think many of us initially look at a work of art and it either appeals to us or not so we move on. I never thought about asking questions but I was always curious about it’s creator. I like that we should not look for the explanation of the art itself but to let it speak. We are so ready to ask why and expect an answer when we might be better off just appreciating the mystery. I hope to think of this blog the next time I am visiting an art museum. Thank you!
You are most welcome Nina. You don't seem intimidated in the least to ask questions of the art. This is helpful to me – I hope to hear how this method works for you.
Wow.
What a great post today, Nicky.
It made me think that mindfulness/ non-judgmental awareness is the key to everything…
😉
L
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