Loving a Work of Art at First Sight

Regatta Majestic    acrylic on canvas    48” x 24”             J. Plesh

Obviously, when you look at a painting, you can see it.  But can you feel it?  Can you hear it? Are your senses awakened to feelings beyond the visual before your eyes?

When a viewer glances momentarily at a work of art, they may be seeing it, but they may not necessarily be “feeling it.” Their senses have not been aroused enough to have them stop and fully absorb the piece.  The inspiration and motivation that went into its creation has not captured their imagination. There’s no love at first sight, no interest in getting to know and understand this work of art.

But when the viewer stops and stays, and really takes the time to get into the piece, they may well be realizing the unique and personal experience every artist hopes their art will project. To look at a scenic painting and hear the rustle of the leaves, smell the morning dew, or to view an abstract and feel exhilaration is connecting with the art, and it is then that the art is brought to life.

So many times I’ve watched as a viewer will stand in front of one of my regatta paintings for an extended period of time, and when engaged in conversation, say they can feel the mist and the freshness of salty air.  There is no greater compliment they can pay me with regards to the art. For someone to say this is so much more meaningful and satisfying than simply saying, “nice colors,” “love the texture” or “great technique” – to me, these are all words indicating they see, but they don’t feel the art.

Those purchasing a painting simply because it looks good next to the sofa, or fills a space in the room are buying decor, not necessarily a work of art in their eyes.  For some that’s quite okay - most artists are pleased to simply have the sale!  But, for someone to really feel the piece or to be captured by the mood and feel of the piece, is the most meaningful reaction in my opinion, and one that pleases me much more than just a sale.

A Moment In Time

I took the photo illustrated here many years ago, well before the simplicity and ease of the digital camera. With a click of the camera a moment in time was captured. The wooden bridge has now been replaced by concrete and steel. Dishearteningly, you won’t find youngsters fishing there anymore. The boys shown in the photo are now adults, some with young children of their own. And my old Nikon has been replaced with a new high-tech digital Nikon. 

Progress is great! The bridge is sturdier, the new camera fantastic. But what of the children of the children fishing? Where are they fishing? Are they fishing? If not, what are they doing withtheir moment in time? 

This is a thought I’ve presented before...a thought that continues to intrigue me—bother me is probably more truthful. Change happens, progress inevitable and necessary. But with change and progress comes certain losses. Losses of the simplicity and joy of every day’s natural gifts. Where once teenagers rode their bicycles over wooden bridges, they now drive their cars over concrete structures.

I recognize and readily admit these comments come from a “senior citizen” who on the surface may appear out of tune and out of touch. But know I recognize, appreciate and accept progress and change of lifestyle. My hope is that when today’s young people are in adulthood they’ll be able to look back and recall their moment in time. Which poses the question, what would you describe as their moment in time in today’s lifestyle?  Ask them; they’ll text you their reply.

The Art of The True Artist

Beyond the Future   Oil on Canvas  36” x 48”    Eugene Djolos Soleyev

Through his art, the artist allows the world to see, touch and feel who he is. A little frightening, isn’t it?  We cannot be free to be who we are if we are not willing to risk being who we are in front of others. 

It is so much easier to play it safe, to be part of the norm - to follow rather than lead. To think and do the traditional, go along with the establishment. Cater to the academia, please the juror. Entertain the audience. Be part of the ball game - the common condition called conforming. But the true artist must create. 

Freedom of expression and imagination, sacred and uncompromising, is the mandate of the artist. Create in the realm of the greatest pleasure and adventure. The true artist is gifted and must risk showing his gifts of creation without explanation or apology.  In the end, the art of being able to follow this need to create without fear and with a full desire for exploration is the art of the true artist.

Eugene Djolos Soleyev is one of the true artists I’ve been fortunate to know and work with. Eugene’s art brings truth to his vision and imagination without compromise.

Soleyev’s art can be found in the Plesh Creative Group Design Library, and is available for licensing.

Jim Plesh CreativeInsight: Who Is Constance Parker Graham?

Jim Plesh CreativeInsight: Who Is Constance Parker Graham?: Several months ago someone asked the question on aolanwers.com , “Who is Constance Parker Graham”? To date I don’t believe anyone has ans...

Jim Plesh CreativeInsight: Interpretation of Art

Jim Plesh CreativeInsight: Interpretation of Art: Our Earth Jim Plesh 24” x 32” acrylic on canvas available: limited edition giclee’ prints varied sizes Quite often I’...

Jim Plesh CreativeInsight: A Failing Grade in Art !

Jim Plesh CreativeInsight: A Failing Grade in Art !: Cartoon from Plesh Creative Group Design Library I started drawing and painting in grade school. At the age of fourteen, I started a...

Jim Plesh CreativeInsight: Thinking Outside The Box in 2012

Jim Plesh CreativeInsight: Thinking Outside The Box in 2012: As my first article of the new year, you might expect that I’d write about New Years’ resolutions. But, I won’t - quite simply because lo...

Jim Plesh CreativeInsight: The Most Precious Canvas

Jim Plesh CreativeInsight: The Most Precious Canvas: A woman in the United States, ca. 1907. wikipedia I’ve painted on canvas, masonite board, paper, wood, metal, plastic, vinyl an...

The Most Precious Canvas

A woman in the United States, ca. 1907.

wikipedia

I’ve painted on canvas, masonite board, paper, wood, metal, plastic, vinyl and a few more surfaces.

But never have I been presumptuous enough to paint on the human skin as my canvas, indelibly marking with my art a permanent rendering on the body of a human being. What more priceless, precious surface is there than the skin of a human being? And yet there are millions who offer up their limbs, their bodies to a breed of artists who create on that surface, permanently engraving their art for the individual to carry for a lifetime. I have canvases which I’ve painted over two or three times, having tired of the image or realized it was no longer a work of art I was pleased with or that satisfactorily represented my capabilities. No, I don’t have the desire or the capacity to ever render my artistry on that, the most precious of all surfaces. More importantly, I would never offer up any part of my body as a canvas for anyone. There’s simply no work of art I can envision carrying on me day and night, each and every moment, for the rest of my life.  God’s gift to me is too precious to paint over.

With that said, let me clarify that my opinion is not meant to disparage the tattoo artist or question their talent or skill. Many are fine artists creating unique and exceptional works of art. My comments are directed to the supplier of their working surface.

The commentary excludes opinion in specialized areas such as cosmetic and medical tattoos.

Abusing a Work of Art

1957-J no.2     oil on canvas     Clifford Steel

Wow! Talk about art and emotions. 

Reportedly, a 36 year old woman was accused of causing $10,000 worth of damage to a painting created by the late Abstract Expressionist artist Clyfford Still. The painting, an oil-on-canvas called "1957-J no.2," valued at more than $30 million, was exhibited at the recently opened Clyfford Still Museum in Denver.

A police report stated that the woman punched and scratched the painting, pulled her pants down to slide her buttocks against it and urinated after she rubbed up against the canvas.  She was charged with felony criminal mischief and held on bond since the incident in late December.

Still is considered a very influential American post-World War Two abstract expressionist artist. Still died in 1980. The city of Denver worked with his widow, Patricia, to secure the single-artist museum. 

I’ve written articles on the emotions created by art, including a recent article titled “Abstracts: The Love - Hate Art”. But the incident of abusing Still’s painting takes emotions to an unfathomable level of absurdity. We don’t know why or what triggered this absurd display of passion, but even though I believe art can stir emotion, I’d guess Still’s painting an innocent victim of chance.

Hey, I’m not exactly crazy about the piece myself, but a simple “I don’t like it” should suffice.

Thinking Outside The Box in 2012

As my first article of the new year, you might expect that I’d write about New Years’ resolutions.  But, I won’t - quite simply because long ago, I realized I never kept them. Hopefully, you’re more disciplined than I, and you’ll make good on your resolutions for 2012.

I do, however, find this a period of time to reflect on the past year and look for refreshment of purpose in the coming months and year. This is a period when you can best realize that time does fly and procrastination and lack of purpose are not your friends. To this end, renewed spirit and energy are the mandate for the new year. And there is nothing as rejuvenating as creativity.  To look at challenges and opportunities with a creative mind and attitude will rekindle the spirit and make each new day more exciting.  

To create, to bring into being, is the purpose of the artist. However, creativity doesn’t just have to apply to art. We all can be creative with our daily interests, activities and choices. To look and think outside of the box, beyond the logical and the obvious is not only invigorating, but may well bring about better results.  

And so, I believe that it is important, especially with the beginning of the new year, to think about creativity in all aspects of our lives.  Being able to think creatively throughout all parts of our lives can help us to continually see life from new perspectives – and while we may not keep our resolutions, we may be able to always learn something new.

Cartoon from the Plesh Creative Group Library.  Over 5,000 designs available for licensing. 

A Failing Grade in Art !

Cartoon from Plesh Creative Group Design Library 

I started drawing and painting in grade school. At the age of fourteen, I started attending summer classes at the Art Institute of Pittsburgh. I knew then that my life would be in the art field. And yet, as a senior in high school, the only failing grade I ever got for a semester was in - you guessed it - ART!

The curriculum and teachings at the Art Institute sometimes conflicted with the teaching style of my high school art teacher, Mrs. L.  I was more inclined to lean towards the philosophy of the Institute and frequently challenged her approach.  This brought up the predicament of my behaving more as if I were her equal rather than her student.  As a result, Mrs. L and I had a somewhat rocky relationship. I was probably cockier than I should have been when it came to art and Mrs. L gave no ground in her domain. I think we actually liked each other but there was, nevertheless, a continual sparring between us.

It came to a head when I was called out of one of my classes and was told to report to the art department. When I arrived, I found an art class in session and Mrs. L awaiting me with a bucket of soapy water and a scrub brush. You see, I had this habit of flicking my paintbrush to clear it from water (and paint), which left some residue on the floor. Sure enough, there were dried water and color specks on the floor where I always sat in the last row. Mrs. L informed me that I caused the mess and therefore had to get on my hands and knees and clean it up. Obviously embarrassed and looking around the room I saw the girl I had a huge crush on at that time.  Believing Mrs. L. knew of my feelings I now realized her motive for having me clean the floor during that particular class session.

I decided not to comply. She insisted I scrub the area or get a failing grade for the semester. I said “I’ll take the F” and left the room, dignity in hand, pride intact.

That was a long time ago. In today’s society there may have been lawsuits,  suspensions and/or  arrests made. Maybe the whole class would have held a protest march! Whatever may be the thing to do in one of these situations now, at the time it was simply a battle of will; a little jousting between student and teacher who actually liked each other.  Mrs. L stuck to her guns, and I received my one and only F.

But every story should have a happy ending. Several weeks after our encounter, Mrs. L informed me that I had been awarded a Western Pennsylvania Scholastic Gold Key for Art, the only recipient in our school district. Several weeks after that I traveled (by bus) to Pittsburgh for the awards ceremony with - you guessed it again - the girl I had the crush on who unwittingly gave me the motivation to stand my ground. 

The moral of the story?  Don’t flick your paintbrush and if you do, clean up your mess. 

( I’m still working on that ).

Art Sales in Difficult Economic Times

Art gallery owners, like numerous businesses, are finding sales difficult these days. With houses being foreclosed, unemployment continuing to rise and the threat of layoffs ever-present, many gallery owners are struggling to stay open or having to drastically change the way they do business. Galleries throughout the country are closing their doors. During the past two years, dozens of established galleries have closed in Manhattan, NY alone.

Both artists and gallery owners are feeling the crunch and now, more than ever, need to be supportive of each other. Only the most dedicated, brightest and energetic of gallery managements will survive the current economic turmoil. Through innovative marketing and belt tightening they will hold on to see brighter days. Galleries know that there are still people with a secure income and/or money to spend. However the numbers will not be what they were in past years. The newer galleries are most vulnerable. They have not yet established a strong, proven track record with a proven client list or learned to cope with adversity.  Only the very best of gallery ownership and management will continue to create and sustain a market in the face of today’s economic challenges.

From the artist’s perspective while some galleries may go under, the artist need not. They can continue to produce, building a quality inventory while seeking venues to sell their art. With some their art may become part-time while they focus on keeping a roof over their head by working in another field. Most importantly both the artist and gallery owner must believe that great art will ultimately survive difficulties. Creativity continues to be the key: The artist must continue to create exceptional fine art and the galleries must be creative with their marketing strategies.

 

Interpretation of Art

Our Earth    Jim Plesh   24” x 32”  acrylic on canvas      available: limited edition giclee’ prints   varied sizes

Quite often I’m asked for an interpretation of one of my paintings - my thoughts in creating it. What’s the story behind the painting? How long did it take to complete the piece? Indeed, behind most of my paintings there is a story to tell, a reason for being.  Each work is, in fact, its own being. 

But just as the viewer seeks my interpretation, I am just as interested in their interpretation of the piece. Once the artist creates a work of art, it has a life of its own. The painting is fair game for the viewing public, standing alone for interpretation and acceptance or rejection. Consequently, the viewer has a say relative to interpretation and reaction.  In that sense, the viewer’s interpretation of a piece of art may be just as meaningful as the artist’s own reasoning, allowing for it to take on a life even beyond what the artist intended or imagined.

Many of my works of art are created in such a way to allow, and in fact, encourage the viewer to read into it what he or she envisions. The viewer becomes, if you will, part of its creation by completing it in their mind’s eye.  The painting speaks through the way people see it, and what each of us sees, or feels, is personal. In this way, the art becomes much more through the point of view of another.  To me, this is what makes art, especially expressionistic works, so exciting and meaningful.

When asked how long a painting may have taken me to create, my usual response is that it took my whole life. This response is not meant to be evasive or flippant. The work, regardless of the hours, days, weeks or months of rendering, encompass many years of experience, learning, emotions and continued education and development.  Regardless of time taken to physically render a work of art, it is its own being.  

"A painting requires a little mystery, some vagueness, some fantasy. When you always make your meaning perfectly plain you end up boring people."     

Degas

Who Is Constance Parker Graham?

Several months ago someone asked the question on aolanwers.com, “Who is Constance Parker Graham”? To date I don’t believe anyone has answered the question. Most likely because the poet Constance Parker Graham actually doesn’t exist. It’s a fictitious name. And there’s probably no better authority on the subject than yours truly. You see, Constance Parker Graham was created/founded by me, Jim Plesh.

Back in the mid-seventies I was hired by Paramount Greetings as VP Creative Director, with the mandate to improve their creative operations, product lines and sales performance. I did just that with creativity and innovation. Many new concepts and creative properties emerged to generate sales and better recognition of the Paramount Card lines. One such addition was Words from the Heart by Constance Parker Graham. I was aware of the huge sales Gibson Greetings was enjoying with the then very popular inspirational poet Helen Steiner Rice. It was obvious to me that Paramount needed its own competing version of Helen Steiner Rice. 

Over lunch with then president Jimmy Winston and sales VP Ray Coskery, I mentioned my plan to introduce a new line of inspirational cards titled “Words from the Heart,” written by poet Constance Parker Graham. They had the same question as aolanswers.com: “Who is Constance Parker Graham”? When I indicated it was a fictitious name I created, with some laughter they asked how I came up with the name. My birthing of the name was quite simple: I wanted a name I considered studious, almost matronly: Constance.  Then the middle name was to be recognizable, something to do with writing: at the time Parker Pens were popular, hence Parker. Then the last and crucial name, Graham. My thought was, what better name symbolized inspiration than Billy Graham? Thus the poet came to life: Constance Parker Graham.

So there you have it. After giving me a bit of a hard time and enjoying a few more laughs at my expense, they agreed we should give it a go. Long story short, the card line caught on, enjoying immense popularity. Paramount made millions of dollars on the creative property Words from the Heart by Constance Parker Graham. I managed to get a bonus out of it, a two-week paid vacation to Hawaii for my wife and me. Today Paramount no longer exists; however, Constance Parker Graham does. Hallmark acquired the rights to the property and continues to give life to her and her words from the heart.

Incidentally, the actual writer of the first issues of inspirational messages by Constance Parker Graham was our then editor in chief, Dolores Riccio, an exceptional writer/poet in her own right. As the collection grew, several other talented writers contributed outstanding inspirational messages as I’m sure is the case today.

One of These Days I’m Going to Quit Procrastinating

Cartoon from Plesh Creative Group Design Library

At the opposite end of the spectrum from perseverance is procrastination. As much as perseverance can be an asset, procrastination is a deterrent to accomplishment. Careful, cautious consideration should not be misconstrued as procrastination.  

Acquiring my first art director’s position at age twenty-four was largely due to pro-action as fellow artists procrastinated about grasping an opportunity for advancement. As a designer at American Greetings in Cleveland, Ohio it was customary for artists and designers during periodic breaks to discuss art and happenings of the day. It was also a time when many would vent their frustrations of the job or talk of new opportunities in the creative field. 

On one such occasion I joined a discussion where a dozen artists were mulling over a classified ad in the Cleveland Plain Dealer indicating that a representative from Fairfield Publishing Company of Chicago, IL was in town in search of an art director. The conversation was such that everyone thought it an opportunity for growth. Some spoke of breaking away from the daily routine of being a “board artist”, a chance to be “the boss” or an opportunity to “make big bucks”. But they also expressed concern about relocation or “”what if the grass isn’t greener on the other side”.  And the conversation went on. I reviewed the ad and made a mental note of the phone number, strolled over to the lobby pay-phone (yes, this was pre cell phone era) and called for an interview. When I returned the group was still discussing the ad. It was kind of mass procrastination.

That very evening I met for an interview with Bob Reinschriber, executive VP of Fairfield Publishing and four weeks later I relocated to Chicago as their art director. Bob had visited four cities which housed the major greeting card companies at that time. I was fortunate to have been selected and at a young age presented the opportunity for growth and recognition in both the creative field and greeting card industry. The fateful decision to make that phone call set me on an exciting and lucrative course in creative management. 

I later found that not one in the coffee break group discussion applied for the position. The only other applicant from American Greetings was, believe it or not, our art director!

Two and a half years later Fairfield Publishing was purchased by American Greetings and I was offered an art directors position to return to AG. I was also recruited by Rust Craft Greetings Corporation in Dedham, MA.  I accepted the position at Rust Craft as creative director, which led to vice president of creative operations.

Several years later I visited Cleveland on a business trip and enjoyed having lunch with several of the artists who had been in on the discussion of the ad for the art directors position. Their conversation over lunch was much the same as it was years before. Their pattern of procrastination seemed to remain intact. 

I’d be remiss in not noting that some of the artists made a conscientious decision after careful consideration not to pursue the art directors position, or others like it, for a number of good reasons, including they simply were happy doing what they were doing.  Obviously that is not procrastination.

The Art of Perseverance

Cartoon from Plesh Creative Group Design Library

During my time as creative director/VP at Rust Craft Greetings in Dedham, MA we had a creative staff of over one hundred and twenty-five talented artists and writers. 

The procedure for screening job applicants involved one of the art directors interviewing the candidate including review of their portfolio. In cases where the art director felt the interviewee exceptional and merited hiring he/she would refer the candidate to me and ultimately the decision would be mine to make.

The corporate policy was such that when staffing was at full capacity new hirings were frozen. 

I recall one candidate clearly because of her perseverance. As a recent graduate of The Rhode Island School of Design she applied for a job as a designer - illustrator at a time when we were fully staffed. One of the art directors interviewed her and was sufficiently impressed to bring her to my attention even though we had no openings for the position. We informed her of our interest and that we would contact her when an opening arose.

One week later the art director informed me that Donna was back and again advised we had no openings. This routine followed the next week and the next. On the fourth visit she told the art director that everywhere she applied she found either that they required an experienced artist or had no openings. She was frustrated at having to work at a convenience store as she looked for a job in the art field and felt she was getting the “run around”. She pleaded with the art director as to how she could ever get the needed experience without an opportunity to work in her chosen field. She went on to say she’d work without pay just to get in the door and gain the needed experience. When he relayed this to me a decision was made to hire Donna and for the first and only time during my eight year tenure at Rust Craft were we “over-staffed” in the creative department . We did not, could not, take her up on her offer to work gratis. She was hired at the designers starting salary with benefits. Donna was hired not only because of her talent but because we were so impressed with her perseverance and desire to work at her chosen field.

About ten years later I founded my own business, Plesh Creative Group, Inc.  At that time I recruited select artists from the many I had worked with through previous years. I contacted Donna, who had since relocated to California and was enjoying success as an established designer. I offered her a freelance contract and, as you might guess, found her salary requirements well beyond my offer. We had a chuckle about that and wished each other well. 

I write this article to encourage young people starting out, and especially in these difficult times, to hold onto your dreams and strive to reach your goal. Along with the development of your skills learn the art of perseverance. Mastering the Art of Perseverance will serve you well, as it did Donna.

Poppies: A Favored Subject

Poppy Field    Jim Plesh   acrylic on masonite  48"x48"
private collection

Poppies have long been one of my favorite subjects for paintings. 

The symbolism associated with poppies is beauty, magic, consolation, fertility and eternal life. The Egyptians included poppies at funerals and in burial tombs. The Greeks used poppies in the shrines of Demeter, goddess of fertility, and Diana, goddess of the hunt. Poppies have long been used as a symbol of both sleep and death: sleep because of the opium extracted from them, and death because of the blood-red color they commonly display. A second interpretation of poppies in classical mythology is that the bright scarlet color signifies a promise of resurrection after death. In modern times, poppies have been associated with Flanders Fields, where they serve as an emblem of those who died in World War I.

A poppy is one of a group of flowering plants in the poppy family, many of which are grown in gardens for their colorfulness. Poppy flowers have four to six petals. Petals may be almost any color, and some have markings. Before blooming, the petals are crumpled in the bud, and as blooming finishes, the petals often lie flat before falling away. A whorl of stamens is in the center of the flower. All species of poppies are attractive, and most are cultivated as ornamental plants. A few species have other uses, principally as sources of drugs and foods. 

Part of my infatuation with poppies as a subject is their simplicity of beauty - crisp, clean and colorful, creating immediate and graphic recognition. While the poppy flower may have four to six petals, a simple splash of red or yellow with a spot of black is quickly recognized as the impression of a poppy. Such a beautiful and recognizable subject allows me to put the music on, take canvas, paints, brush and palette knife and create with spontaneous freedom. Whether a single poppy or a field of poppies, the creativity flows freely, allowing me to avoid unnecessary detail and definition; I can go beyond that, directly into the feeling, essence, simplicity and beauty of the subject, or model, if you will. The resulting work beckons the viewer’s interpretation beyond the recognizable obvious.