Artists’ Rewards

Often the conversation amongst artists is that of prize winning artworks.  What is it that leads a judge to come to the decisions of what constitutes an excellent work of art (or even a great attempt)?

I have often heard many a viewer acclaiming the choices as brilliant but in many cases there are also murmurs of disagreement.

Each time I visit an exhibition I am blown away by the vast range of styles and talent on show.  It is quite mind boggling to think one person or even two people (with whatever experience they have) could make a decision as to what, in their opinion, is the best of the bunch.   Every viewer of art sees things in a different context, with different experiences of life and art.  It stands to reason that not everyone is going to agree with the choices.

However sometimes we forget that there are other richer rewards.  An artwork which truly connects with a viewer is often bought to grace the walls of a home or workplace, to be gazed at, discussed, admired and reflected upon for many years.

Recently one of my rainforest paintings sold and the buyer phoned me to tell her story.  The artwork was a scene with twisted trees and leaf litter all around.  The very genuine and wonderful emotional memories it evoked included the smells, sounds and coolness of a time passed. It had connected with her very being.  How much I value that acknowledgment.  It has given me reassurance that my work matters.  To bring so much pleasure to another person is the greatest reward.