Changing Standards of Quality

Hello Everyone! 

In today’s blog we will discuss the topic of “Changing Standards of Quality”, sounds like a book title? Indeed, probably I can write 300 pages about it and still won’t cover all the nuances. For the purposes of this writing, I will focus only on a small part of it, and my understanding of the term “quality”. Let’s go! 

Short history perspective

From ancient times to be an artist in a specific field it was necessary to be a true expert. It was also pretty easy to tell one from the other. If someone painted a portrait and the face looked like everything but the owner of that face, that ‘’artist’’ won’t find more customers, until he’ll get better. Going cheaper didn’t work too, since people tend to search for beauty and harmony, which goes along with professionalism and commitment for craft. Up until around the mid XX century it was really hard to find examples of art that didn't look wonderful at first. Nowaday, sometimes You really need to search for beauty, or use Your imagination to be able to see something. At the same time holding your fingers crossed to be lucky enough to find a meaningful piece. I know that it is a kind of simplification, and that there won’t be any progress if people still do the same thing, it is all true. My statement here is that, it is fine to do new, even avant garde art, but a true artist will always make it with awareness. 

What does it mean, with “awareness”?

In the simplest way, it means that You know what You are doing. You are not waiting for a muse, or intoxication of some external substates to create. That's an amateur path. To break the rules, first You need to know them.

Anyone can throw paint on a canvas like Pollock and claim it’s art. However, Jackson Pollock had traditional skills in painting and drawing before he became famous for his abstract expressionist work. He studied at the Art Students League in New York, where he mastered classical techniques. Early in his career, he experimented with figurative art and landscapes, showcasing his understanding of traditional forms.

Pollock's background influenced his later work, even as he developed his signature drip painting style. His ability to manipulate paint and comprehend composition stemmed from this foundational training. So, while he is best known for his abstract art, he certainly possessed real traditional skills as well.

 

Do You see the difference? 

That’s why true artists make work with awareness. It is fine and even good to try new things, but it should be based on something. That’s our approach at Vadelma Prints. In my understanding, to do anything on a professional level, a strong foundation is always necessary. Like a doctor who for the first years of studies learns about anatomy, biology and chemistry, only afterward to choose the specialization. No one would ever go to a doctor who doesn't understand the human body well. 

A deeper understanding of the profession is crucial in my opinion.I often wonder how many artists who create “childlike-funny” drawings or oversimplified designs chose that style like Pollock—out of an inner calling for that particular form of art. Or did they select that path to cover a lack of skills or unwillingness to dedicate years to development? Probably, we’ll never find out. We can only feel it. Probably, we’ll never find out. We can only feel it. 

Thank You for Your time

Natalie Vadelma