About two years ago I had a moment when I became aware that each of us is fully responsible for everything we create in our lives, including artwork. And that every piece of art we produce and make it public (even by just publishing it on our blog) will cause some sort of consequence and create a reaction.
Let me explain this, if let’s say, you paint a really disturbing image full of violence, depicting murder and post it on your website for everyone to see, some people will find it unsettling, some will get scared and maybe some will be offended and you’ll probably have to deal with those people’s reactions. But it goes deeper that just dealing with negative comments. If you create dark, negative, frighting images then you’re consequently also creating more fear and negativity in this world. It may sound oversimplified and a bit harsh, but to me it makes sense:)
I made a conscious decision not to create art that will scare or disturb people because I believe that, in today’s world there is already enough of fear and negativity. I don’t want to contribute to it with my work. I’d much rather draw pictures that evoke happiness and joy and contribute positivity to this world.
But don’t get me wrong I’m not claiming that everyone should make happy, joyful pictures or that «dark», disturbing art is bad or wrong! No, not at all! If you feel in you heart that’s the kind of art you want to create, and are ready to deal with consequences, then sure, do it. I’m not here to judge anyone.
Basically what I wanted to say is that for me, drawing happy, cute, joyful, whimsical, uplifting art is based on my conscious decision to contribute more happiness to this world rather than negativity and is a direct reflection of my personal beliefs and values.
Does your art reflect your personal values and beliefs in some way?
Do you think that is an important issue, at all?
P.S: I’d like to share more of my thoughts on art, creativity etc on this blog and not only post my illustration and photos so you can expect more posts like this in future :)
I love your happy and bubbly illustrations because they bring a smile to me and reminds me of playful side.
Same reason I do happy illustrations, because I like to bring out a smile, ignite a bit of inspiration, and express my inner child and bring warm into this world like you said violence dominates the news sometimes. I think is very important because that’s how people will know you and remember you, and we all want to be remember how we see ourselves. As an artist I express myself better in an illustration than in words.
It’s good to see an artist stating some of the motivation behind their work. Your comments made me check out my own Photostream to look at the balance between light and dark. I decided that it often celebrates beauty or spectacle in the world, although it certainly isn’t whimsical in the way that your lovely illustrations are. And I think this does reflect my own basic beliefs. If I captured something dark it would still to have something I found visually appealing before I published it for others.
“Does your art reflect your personal values and beliefs in some way?”
To any extent if people are being 100% true to themselves then they should be, in essence at least, putting a good chunk of their behavior into their creations.
“Do you think that is an important issue, at all?”
Important issue? No. Simply a matter of fact in my opinion. Something is as it is and always will be as it is. No issue at all, however it is important.
Thank you everyone for your responses! i enjoyed reading your opinions!
Dear Asja!
Today I’ve just discoverd you on Flickr by accident and than I couldn’t stop rummage trough your fantastic works and webside. I have to tell that you contribute into my life more joyful, brightness, bring me smile on my face and … WAU!!! You are just amazing!!!!
I totaly agree with your philosophy about art and I like it very VERY much!
Keep on doing such a good work and wish your positive inspiration never see the end!!!
Katja thank you so much for your words-they mean much to me!!
Well, Art serves as a reflection of both inner and outer worlds, and depending on the circumstances, it can be either dark or cheerful.