Sunday, January 30, 2011

Artists Need to Face Reality: What is Success?

How to be Truly Successful as an Artist by Brian Sherwin

This article is by Brian Sherwin , Regular contributing writer for FineArtViews. Brian Sherwin is an art critic, blogger, curator, artist and writer based near Chicago, Illinois. He has been published in Hi Fructose Magazine, Illinois Times, and other publications, and linked to by publications such as The Boston Globe, Juxtapoz Magazine, Deutsche Bank ArtMag, ARTLURKER, Myartspace, Blabbermouth, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, Modern Art Obsession, Citizen LA, Shark Forum, Two Coats of Paint and Art Fag City. You should submit an article and share your views as a guest author by clicking here.

The reality of being an artist is that success on a grand-scale is often far from reach. It is not uncommon for artists, especially emerging artists, to beat themselves up with worry over why they have not reached what they consider success. It is not hard to become bitter if you spend your time comparing yourself to wealthy famous artists-- especially if you are suffering financially for your dream as so many artists do. Thus, the first step in becoming a truly successful artist is to let go of your art star fantasies and work toward redefining your view of success in a more realistic manner.

Thursday, January 27, 2011

Does Original Art Exist?

Art and Art Criticism: The Specter of Originality by Brian Sherwin

This article is by Brian Sherwin , Regular contributing writer for FineArtViews. Brian Sherwin is an art critic, blogger, curator, artist and writer based near Chicago, Illinois. He has been published in Hi Fructose Magazine, Illinois Times, and other publications, and linked to by publications such as The Boston Globe, Juxtapoz Magazine, Deutsche Bank ArtMag, ARTLURKER, Myartspace, Blabbermouth, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, Modern Art Obsession, Citizen LA, Shark Forum, Two Coats of Paint and Art Fag City. You should submit an article and share your views as a guest author by clicking here.

Thinking to myself today I pondered on the issue of originality. It is not rare for me to find individuals making bold charges online about how their art or opinion is original-- and just as many more who are quick to suggest the opposite in response to said bold claims. At the heart of the issue I’m left asking, “Does it matter?”. I’ve decided that originality, if anything, is a specter casting itself over society as a whole-- just as it has always done. What is important is the manner in which artists and art critics convey their personal adaptations of past ideas and influences.

Brian Sherwin examines how the personal life of an artist shapes the perspective of viewers.

Artists' Personal Lives: Does it Play a Role in How You View Their Art?
by Brian Sherwin

This article is by Brian Sherwin , Regular contributing writer for FineArtViews. Brian Sherwin is an art critic, blogger, curator, artist and writer based near Chicago, Illinois. He has been published in Hi Fructose Magazine, Illinois Times, and other publications, and linked to by publications such as The Boston Globe, Juxtapoz Magazine, Deutsche Bank ArtMag, ARTLURKER, Myartspace, Blabbermouth, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, Modern Art Obsession, Citizen LA, Shark Forum, Two Coats of Paint and Art Fag City. You should submit an article and share your views as a guest author by clicking here.

I was recently involved in a debate concerning the fact that many people appear to make value judgments on art based on knowledge of the artist's personality, beliefs, and life choices. In other words, someone may or may not view a work of art in a positive manner based strictly on what he or she knows about the personal life of the artist behind the artwork. It spurs me to ask, does the personal life of an artist play a factor in how you view his or her artwork for better or for worse? Sometimes it does seem that people critique art solely on what they know about the artist in question instead of focusing on the art itself.

Wednesday, January 26, 2011

VIP Art Fair Failed? Hype Failed Today -- Thoughts on the Collectors of Tomorrow

VIP Art Fair Failed? Hype Failed Today -- Thoughts on the Collectors of Tomorrow

Criticism over the implementation of VIP Art Fair has been growing steadily since its January 22nd launch date. The NYC art world rumor-mill suggests that several art dealers involved with VIP are demanding a refund. On top of that-- there are rumors that collectors who experienced the site will no longer deal with VIP in the future due to frustration. Based on comments I’ve read at Art Fag City-- and a few other art blogs covering VIP-- it is clear that people tend to view VIP as an over-hyped and poorly developed venture. Blind praise is quickly turning into frustrated rage.

Tuesday, January 11, 2011

The Hypocrisy of Our Times: Political Rhetoric fuels opinions against Political Rhetoric and Gives Strength to Censorship

The Hypocrisy of Our Times: Political Rhetoric fuels opinions against Political Rhetoric and Gives Strength to Censorship

I try my best to stay out of politics-- sometimes it can be very hard to do… Especially when art writers that I know tap into stories that spark national outcry in order to twist the story in a manner that promotes their own political views. That said, the recent tragedy in Arizona has revealed the hypocrisy that is crippling our nation as a whole. What could be used as common ground to discuss the importance of supporting mental health, community, and personal responsibility is instead being used to point fingers of political blame.

Sunday, January 9, 2011

Articles by Brian Sherwin on FineArtViews update 1

I’m taking this time to inform my readers about articles that I have written for FineArtViews. FineArtViews is a free daily e-newsletter about art marketing by Clint Watson. Watson, a former owner of a national art gallery, is an expert at selling art and the founder of FASO-- a site dedicated to creating affordable websites for visual artists.

FineArtViews offers an eclectic combination of articles that focus on various aspects of art marketing and creation. Below are a few topics that I’ve written about for FineArtViews-- feel free to click on the titles in order to read these articles at the FAV blog.

Art and Art Criticism: The Specter of Originality by Brian Sherwin

Copyright Registration: Protecting Yourself as Well as Your Collectors by Brian Sherwin

Artist Websites: The Pillar of Your Social Networking and Online Art Marketing Efforts by Brian Sherwin

Take care, Stay true,

Brian Sherwin

Thursday, January 6, 2011

Art Museums: Compromise is the Key to Public Support for Art

Art Museums: Compromise is the Key to Public Support for Art

Towards the end of 2010 situations involving the motivation behind specific works of art and arguments over art museum exhibit content were at the forefront of many online debates within the circle of artists and art writers that I frequent. Debate concerning these issues are common throughout the year-- sparked by one controversy or the other. However, the end of 2010 brought with it an ignited powder-keg of hardcore debate. One could say that the year in art went out with a bang. That said, it is my hope that the dialogue continues-- specifically, the conversation about what should be expected from public funded art museums and other public funded art spaces.