"Downtime" © Jen Norton
Thank you to all my wonderful art friends who attended our Open Studio this past weekend…your patronage is always SO appreciated, but especially during these hard times. I am now able to buy a little more paint!
Today, I’ve been cleaning up, packing up the art for my next show, and listening to music. To those who know me, it will come as no surprise that two of the CDs in the mix were by Amy Grant. I’ve been a devoted fan since I was 18 (only a few years ago, really…) Today John Mayer, U2 and Sugarland also made the cut. It got me to thinking…am I more drawn to the melody of a song, or to the lyrics? Of course it’s a little of both, but I think for me lyrics might hold more water. I have to like a melody, but if the lyrics are uninspiring or too “pop”, I’ll lose interest in the artist after a song or two. If the lyrics are amazingly-crafted and speak to me, I can grow to love a song, and an artist, even if the melody doesn’t grab me right away. And when both are complementing each other…well, need I say more? Euphoric!
Paintings are like music in that way. Colors, textures and artist’s technique make up the melody. Then there are the lyrics, the story between the lines and shapes. This comes from the artist’s intent. Sometimes the concept is obvious, but sometimes it’s more obscure, leaving the viewer to come to their own conclusions. Next time you’re viewing art…especially art that you don’t understand…see if you can decipher the artist’s objective. Whenever possible, view original art. Seeing things in books is a start, but it’s more like what happens to the message when you play the child’s game “Telephone”. The meaning can get lost in translation. Stand in front of original work, let it speak to you, and then try to understand what it might be saying. Last year I had the chance to experience some of Jasper Johns’ work in NY. I was aware of his work from college art history, but it didn’t really grab me then. This time, with a better understanding of history and years of making art under my belt, it was a totally different experience. I realized there might be some similarities in our art-making. The conversation has begun, and now I want to find out more. So, what speaks to you? Melody or Lyrics? Technique or Concept? Can they exist separately?
By the way, if you’re a fellow Amy fan, she has a new EP out on iTunes. Two new songs, two older ones. “Unafraid” is very personal, and she sings it like she’s across the table from you. Check it out if you’re so inclined…
