Inspiration and Revelation Part 7 “Go to an Art Show”


May 1, 2008 at 08:26 PST

“Inspired by a Basquiat Exhibit” painting by Amy Davis Roth


"Art is either plagiarism or revolution." -Paul Gauguin

Welcome to part seven in my ever-expanding list of how to find inspiration and to get out of your rut. A series of tips and tricks I have compiled meant to help the creative individual when they have a deadline looming or just can seem to find a way to start their next project. This week’s message is telling you to get out of the studio at least one afternoon or night this week and see what other artists are up to. In other words… go to an art show. I have been inspired on many an occasion by the permanent collection at the Los Angeles Museum of Art and equally as inspired by underground LA art shows such as Cannibal Flower. In fact going to an art show is one of the best ways to get out of an artistic funk. Go online or grab your local paper and find a show near you. It is refreshing and inspiring to take a look at something different.

I know some visual artists who don’t go to other artist’s or museum shows. I think it’s a very unfortunate and negative characteristic of these people. Often when asked this small group of artists will say that they don’t want to be influence by the work of other people. In my professional opinion those artists are doing way more harm than good to themselves. In fact they are doing harm to all of us. The art scene in every town needs support. Art galleries, especially in the underground scene are usually the underdog with little funding but immense creativity and inspirational value. Even if you just show up at an art show you doing your part to support the scene and you are doing yourself a favor by creating an opportunity for yourself to meet other artists and to see things through someone else’s eyes. You don’t have to purchase art, just be an active participant. Art needs an audience for it to serve its purpose and if you ever expect people to look at your work you should go and look at theirs. I try to purchase art when I can afford it and have a beautiful collection of prints from shows I have been to over the years. I think it is extremely important to be an active participate in the art world. You have to give if you expect to get and for those people who are afraid to be influenced by other peoples work, well my message to you is to get over yourself. Nothing is truly original but when an artist puts his or her heartfelt mark on something it is unique.

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Inspiration and Revelation Part 7 “Go to an Art Show”

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