Class Commentary: 08-04-09

Fieldtrip to Will's:

Making a living off of art is a much different than producing work in the academic world. Will definitely exhibits this very well. While it would be hard to see his work as if produced as a student or teacher, his murals have a small niche that is quite accommodating. It is hard to define for me if his work has value and how it falls into line with the rest of the world of art that I know. His work is much more in line with illustration and other commercial arts. Which brings up the obvious question, "is it art?" To me the answer would be no. Mostly because if I were to produce similar work, I myself would not see it as such. For the most part I think this is an elitist attitude that is rather dumb, but I cannot easily break from this way of thinking. I have had quite a hard time struggling with what exactly I am trying to do with school and my practice. Somehow this relates. There has been definite times this semester when there has been questioning of what I am trying to produce. Influences from outside opinions have mostly destroyed my collected approach and sent me into what is the worst possible state of confusion. The decision has now been made to stop listening to what others say even if they appear to be legitimate and are coming from instructors. Will seems to be very successful at starting on path and staying on it, at least until it is necessary to move on.