Is it really "art"?

[Swampy]

I see amazing works of art by you folks here in the RTP forums. Some of it truly worthy of giclee printing and framing. I'm talking nice stuff that I would be proud to have hanging on my walls.

But....

Is digital "art" yet accepted by the artistic community? Is it still in it's infancy and at the place where perhaps photography was 150 years ago visa vis "an art form"?

I bring this up, because we have an arts and crafts cooperative here in town where folks join and pay an annual fee to maintain and staff the facility and pay down the mortgage. Artisans can place their pieces there for sale to the public an pay the co-op a small commission when the goods are sold. Wonderful concept and very popular among our many retiree artists. Everything from fine art, wood crafts, quilts, etc. are available. But, the co-op does not accept "computer" art for consignment. No brush strokes... no deal.

I know it is a matter of time and education, but sometimes it is frustrating. I have done a couple pieces on commission. (Friend wanted a portrait of their horses that were killed in a tragic accident for example) They are pleased with the work I did, but I can't convince the "powers" at the co-op that there is a market for my work. They have seen my portfolio, but phoo-phoo the whole idea of "computer art".

Thanks for letting me vent...

[Littlecoo]

Do these people consider photography, lithos, prints as 'art'? I wonder... Do they have a problem with modern art in general? Are fluffy coathangers and tea cozies art?

[Kraellin]

dee dee,

i understand.

this is fairly common with something 'new', and maybe more so in the art world. i am a bit surprised that those folks flat out refused, especially on consignment. they risk nothing by allowing it when it's consignment. just wait till they pass up something that ends up selling for $100,000 and they'll start thinking differently

[Swampy]

Littlecoo... I got a laugh out of your tea cozies and clothes hangers! Yeah, they like those.

Craig, In a way I do understand. The co-op is dominated by traditional artists who, perhaps, feel somewhat threatened by technology. And they probably perceive computer art as being "touch of a button" easy. What they don't get is that computer art is another medium. You still have to select the correct brushes, mix and use pleasing and effective colors, build texture and compose the product. My brush is a Wacom pen, my paint is pixels. Perhaps in time they will accept.

[Kraellin]

yes, i think threatened is the key word there.

[yelhsaneerg]

i agree with u when you say people think computer art is "touch of a button easy" very big misconception...they think i scan a pic....hit the "easy button" and POOF there's the new pic....so not true lol....ur little co-op thing doesn't even affect me personally but it's making me kinda mad thinkin' about it lol. i guess in time they will accept it...or maybe u just need to get some digital art enthusiasts or even just some open-minded people on that board! good luck with it all!
ashley

"ART" i think the definition is anything that u see or imagine....u put it together whether it be painting, photography, or whatever else so other people can share in your vision too. Something you create....and even if it was digitally...it's still ur creation!

[Doug Nelson]

I doubt they are actually thinking computers make your art, or that computer art is lesser than other arts. However, scarcity drives market value, so what marketable value is there in something that is endlessly and perfectly replicatable?

[Gary Richardson]

so what marketable value is there in something that is endlessly and perfectly replicatable?

In which case, why are so many prints of famous works sold. In total they usually gross more than the value of the original many times over.

[smak]

>>>>>> does not accept "computer" art for consignment

What about printed material that no longer looks like "a photograph"? Do they mean photographs? What about Photo Art?

What's an example of the work that doesn't qualify?

Bring your work to Gainesville.

[Mike]

The "art" bunch here in my community does not accept photography as an art form, I am sure if you asked them about any thing done on a computer they would just look blankly at you and ask what are you talking about....

[Peter S]

I've got this picture in my head of a cave man painting a mammoth in his cave, with the first ever paint brush. Behind him are two so called art critics and one is saying to the other "It'll never catch on, this new technology, its not real art if its not done with the fingers!"
So short sighted eh!!!!

Peter

[yelhsaneerg]

very clever comment Peter!
ashley

[palms1]

Show them Swampy get a "retiree artist " stick them infront of a pc and tell them to paint. plus they should let your art speak for itself, How about a one of display to see if there is any interest, it could mean more people going and looking at there "art"

Palms

[Swampy]

Funny, but one of the board members told me that computer art doesn't have "brush strokes" or texture such as caused by watercolor being absorbed into paper, and she also mentioned chalk dust (I thought chalk artists used a fixative to "set" the chalk when they were done so there would be no more chalk dust).

Doug, you mentioned replication. It's almost ironic they they do accept note cards done by a woman who sends her art off to be digitized then printed on note cards in 4 color process all done on digital presses! Talk about replication... you can buy a box of her 12 note cards with envelopes for $20. No brush strokes there.

I haven't seen too many photographic works for sale at the co-op. I have to think there are a number of photographers in the area to supply the co-op with photograpic pieces. In this case I don't know if it is a matter of "no brush strokes" or just a lack of appreciation for the art form. Perhaps they've never heard of Ansel Adams?

I appreciate everyone's comments in this thread. My home town is so rural and conservative minded on such matters. We always lag 5-10 years behind the trends, so there's always hope that we will "catch up" to the rest of the art world.

[Peter S]

Swampy
Our local Museum had an art display on today. This was the biggest picture on show. They had all sorts there Watercolours, Sketches, Oils etc. and this, all mixed up and in no particular order.
All may not be lost, at least one place seems to be coming round.

Peter