Hmm. I want a margarita.
There's been a lot of chatter on SCS about whether what we do is art, and it's got me thinking. Here's my perspective on the subject. If you're not interested in my blah, blah, blah, just skip to the supply list at the bottom of this post. There's as much value in that as in my musings on art. *snort*
Art, to me, is the end result of deliberately creative self-expression.
That's it. Not all art is good art, of course; in fact, a lot of art--perhaps even most art--is bad. But it's still art. It doesn't take talent to make art. Sweat, hard work, and study are actually more important, but little kids make art all the time without sweating, studying, or working hard. I make art, and Leonardo Da Vinci made art.
His, however, is way more better than mine. He devoted his life to his art. My art is a passionate hobby.
But that doesn't matter. We shouldn't compare our creative expression to anyone else's creative expression. I do the best I can with what I have and follow my own muse. Leo did his best, too, and his muse totally rocked.
I found a quotation from Einstein on Pinterest recently that's relevant here:
Art is like genius. Leonardo climbed the tree. I swim in the water. I'm not denied art because I can't paint the Mona Lisa.
Creative self-expression gives voice to what's inside a person's heart, soul, mind, spirit. What's inside us is valuable, precious, special. We should treat it with respect and not belittle it, and we should let it sing in whatever way it can. I'm Susan and stamping makes me happy.
No, what I do is not at all in any way comparable to what Leonardo did.
It's not supposed to be. It is what it is. And it's good enough for me.
Care to make some art? Grab a stamp and express yourself!
Supplies
stamps: SU Cheers to You
ink: Memento
paper: PTI white
accessories: Memento markers, glue pen, glitter
Card Size: 4 7/8" x 3 1/2"
Cute card!! Love the colors...very cool!! Love when you express your thoughts...love your Einstein quote...we're all artists...also very cool!!!
ReplyDeleteI so love what you had to say and totally agree. My cardmaking and scrapping are my artistic expression. They bring me joy and, I'm happy to say, they are pleasing to my family and friends. And I love the quote from Einstein - so true. When I first started, I found it difficult to be pleased with my creations. But I've learned to relax and recognize the beauty of my creative self-expression. Thank you for being so eloquent in your remarks.
ReplyDeleteSusan, I loved every word you wrote. Thank you for voicing what some of us have thought. At the beginning of my stamping, I was almost embarrassed to show my work, talk about it, admit it, whatever. It took me a long time to say it was important if for no other reason than that it made me happy. I'm so glad to hear you say those very words. I love making cards, and I've finally become comfortable in it. I deserve to do this for myself, and I don't have to justify it to myself or anyone else.
ReplyDeleteGorgeous card and I love Albert's quote. I was only musing to myself the other day, while looking at some blogs with cards highly layered and decorated and I thought this must be art because you sure can't send it through the post.
ReplyDeleteLOVELY card! Beautifully written and wonderfully expressed! I can't agree more!
ReplyDeleteSuper, super cute! I LOVE this!
ReplyDeleteWhat a happy card - yes, I also could use a Margarita about now! I totally agree with your take on art,Susan - everyone's entitled to create their own version of it - I'm sure Leonardo could not have been any happier when he finished the Mona Lisa than you were when you finished this card! And in the famous words of Miss Piggy, "you gotta go with what you've got!"
ReplyDeleteSusan - this is just brilliant! When I was at school, my art teacher told me I was "rubbish" - I didn't do much after that ;( But I love making cards (and scrapbooks when I get round to them) and I express myself in them. My husband's art is his photography. I'm still paddling in many instances, but I'm enjoying it! ;))
ReplyDeletePS - Love the card!!
ReplyDeleteI can't believe you made me think so early in the morning! But think you made me! You are so right, what we do is definitely about self expression and we need to remember that when perusing other's blogs. If I'm not to careful I get too caught up in not being as good as the 'leading stampers' but as long as what I do makes me happy that's the whole reason for doing it (not to mention bringing a smile, however small, to friends and family.)
ReplyDeleteJust looking through blogs and realised I forgot to say that I also think that some of the artistry (real word?) we see from card makers is their photography, whoever said the camera never lies was wrong, big time wrong! A card can be made to look more amazing than IRL or significantly worse than IRL and we sometimes judge a card based on that. Sorry for rambling today, Susan's fault I shouldn't be made to think so early in the morning! lol :)
ReplyDeleteLove the card. Wonderful Post. Most uplifting. I showed my son my latest ‘creation’ last night and I laughed and said that I know it’s not art but, he said that I shouldn’t be ashamed or belittle what I do, that just because I can’t draw doesn’t mean I’m not creative and if rubber stamping gives me an outlet for that creativity then I should be justly proud of what I achieve. Then I read your post this morning and got confirmation, thank you.
ReplyDeleteA lovely card and a great thought for the day and oh so true.
ReplyDeleteJennie X
Great card and such a thought inspiring quote. Eileen x
ReplyDeleteBravo Susan couldn't agree more. What pleases me about making cards is that for a tiny moment the recipient's lifted, consoled, or just greeted albeit fleetingly and I've been responsible. Add to that I've enjoyed the process of making it, win win situation (not sure the bank manager would agree but hey, she shrugged)
ReplyDeleteThank you for your lovely comments on my card, filled me with joy:0) xxx
Oh sorry got carried away, your card is a delight, totally sunny colours:0) xxx
ReplyDeleteWell said. I raise my margarita glass to that!
ReplyDeleteFun card :-) And I LOVE LOVE LOVE the quote! Thanks for sharing it. Looking forward to sharing it with a friend today :-)
ReplyDeleteThank you so much for just saying what I honestly couldn't put into words. I agree 100%. This post is why I check your blog daily ;-)
ReplyDeleteContinue to inspire and be your beautiful self!!
Is it wrong that I love the fact that you put to words how I feel? Thanks for doing the hard work of actually putting it to paper. Well done. Well said.
ReplyDeleteLoved reading your thoughts on art:-) It was fun reading your post.
ReplyDeleteAnd love your card, super fun, and the colours so fresh...
Whoa, that's deep. ;-)
ReplyDeleteSeriously, love this very articulate post. And, that quote is way awesome.
Qué lindo leer este post Susan. Coincido plenamente contigo en cuanto al significado de la palabra "arte". Y me encanta tu arte!!!!
ReplyDeleteHear Hear!!! You card is LOVELY btw
ReplyDeleteKathyk
Great card as usual! I haven't read the thread on SCS regarding "art". I saw it....decided I didn't want to get into it. My husband is a trained artist. It has been his passion since high school. I know, I was there. He is very good. He can look at something; and after some time depending on the subject, he can draw it out and it will look exactly as it is. He can do this with paint, charcoal, marker, pencil...you name it. He has worked very hard at this for many years and is very good.
ReplyDeleteI on the other hand can't do that. I can grab some stamps and create cards and scrapbook pages that are pleasing to the eye. I can grab a skein of yarn and knit or crochet something beautiful and useful, following a pattern of course.
When I first started stamping, my dear husband did not consider stamping "art". (He also has Asperger's so is often blunt without meaning to be insulting). He does acknowledge it is CREATIVE. He used to try and "critique" my projects until I told him I wasn't interested. If I was truly stuck or needed some information I thought his education in art could provide I would ASK; but otherwise please leave me be.
I love Einstein's quote, and I think your thoughts on art are dead on!! Maybe I'll show the DH this blog later this evening and see what he thinks.! :-)
Well said. Both of you. :)
ReplyDeleteI have to say, part of your "art" is your ability to write! Wow - you are good! I loved that quote also - how true!!
ReplyDeleteps cute card too! :)
I really LOVE this very CAS card. Also love the Einstein saying . . . he clearly WAS a genius!
ReplyDeleteHugs, Sandra x
Well said! and ... I love your card. I think of all things we create as art.
ReplyDeleteI happen to enjoy your art and your musings. I think perspective is a good things. Thank you for sharing yours!
ReplyDeleteGreat post! I've pondered the question of whether my cards and my knitting are an art or a craft. I've come to the conclusion that the knitting is definitely a craft as I follow a pattern every time - the only bit of "art" in it is in choosing what colour yarns I use. But my cards are somewhere in between - I have to choose layout, colours, design elements, etc. so that makes it a bit more "art" but I still think it's closer to being a craft as I use someone else's art (the rubber stamp) for the focal image. I could not draw those images to save my life.
ReplyDeleteI'm not saying this makes it a lesser pastime - the world has a phenomenal tradition of craft and it's just as important as art. The trouble with "craft" is that there is a lot of very tacky stuff out there so many people think of it as lesser than art.
Susan, I'd be interested in knowing how you feel about the definition of art vs craft?
Great column, Susan. It definitely will be moved into my "Simplicity" keeper file.
ReplyDeleteWhen I was teaching I loved the confidence most of my students showed in producing their art; we lose something as we grow up I guess. I feel more confident this morning, thanks to you and Einstein!
I love everything you said - I don't think it could have been said better. Thanks for that it made me smile!
ReplyDeleteIt's so much fun, Susan...and makes me want a margarita as well! Yum!!
ReplyDeleteWOW,perfectly said, I am new to the card making thing, 12 months now, so I am still learning.
ReplyDeleteBut ART in whatever form,I have loved all my life. After leaving high school, kids, married life and work take over, kids grow up and you find half an hour here and half an hour there, slowly your creativity comes back.
WHATEVER YOU CREATE IS YOUR ART.
jenjoy x
So maybe you can't paint the Mona Lisa... could Leonardo make an awesome one-layer margarita card? I think not. :P On a more serious level, I love what you wrote today and how Einstein backed it up. Thank you for that.
ReplyDeleteArt is whatever you want it to be!
ReplyDeleteYour card is so cheery! I love it!
Well said!
ReplyDeleteThe words 'art' & 'craft' are interchangeable. As my DH said art is crafted. I don't think think there is art or craft - it is both :) Thank you Susan for your insights into this subject.
ReplyDeleteLove the way you craft your art with your beautiful CAS cards and the eloquence of your writing.
Amen!
ReplyDeleteThanks for a great post. I follow your blog for BOTH your card creations and your 'op-ed' musings! ;-)
ReplyDeleteCan I quote you on this....
ReplyDeleteArt, to me, is the end result of deliberately creative self-expression. It sounds like it would be a great ending for my posts.
Beautiful thoughts on artistic expressions.
Never a truer word was spoken. I loved what you said. It expressed what a lot of us think and feel. I think we need to enjoy what we do and stop comparing ourselves to others. I am guilty of that but am working at stopping it. I love to stamp and create. The quotation is wonderful. Thanks for sharing.
ReplyDeleteHugs
Pauline H.
I could not agree more! Beautifully said!!
ReplyDeleteWhere's my margarita?? :)
xxxooooo