My daughter is a creative girl blessed with a flair for sketching, painting, doodling and now trying her hand at digital painting too. I always felt her work was decent enough and would goad her to take part in art competitions. She would always answer in negative.
One day I questioned her as to why she didn’t want to participate in any competition. To which she replied, “Art is a very subjective personification and a creative extension of oneself. If the competition is to replicate an object or still life, then yes there is scope to judge the piece. But for example, if the topic for the painting is “Peace”, how can you judge the entries? A tranquil scenery depicts peace, a person meditating amidst a raging storm outside maybe at peace, a young baby’s innocent smile may bring peace, a person enjoying a soulful melody may feel at peace or it could be universal brotherhood which is the essence of peace. Each person has his/her own perspective to an idea which he gives shape to. In the same way the person judging the art piece also may have his/her own interpretation to the topic, which may not be in sync with the artist’s work. All of them have put their feelings and emotions to paper. While one can give their opinion on the piece, it need not translate into comparison with other pieces.”
Well, I felt she had a valid point here. Would love to hear your thoughts on this.
The blank canvas awaits its destiny
as a melange of ideas brew
in the ingenious niche of
the artist ‘s mind,
working in tandem with
dexterous fingers
as they get on with their creation.
Hours of labor brings forth
the insipid white to life,
with a potpourri of hues
satiating the creative indulgence!
radhikasreflection 