Art and You (this is an article I wrote for a Vancouver magazine)

If you are like most people, visual art is not even on your radar screen. Paintings to you are something to hang over the fireplace in order to achieve that 'designer look'. Visual art, you think, is something only the rich, the snobbish and the sophisticates buy. Stuffy art galleries using various sales gimmicks to justify their high prices sometimes reinforce this view.

Art is much more than that and it can be to you as well. You do not need an art education, grounding in art history or a ton of money. Appreciation of art has to do with developing your sensitivity to it, which, in turn, expands your perception and so enriches your life. Visual art is called "visual" for a reason - you should not need pages of explanation in order to understand the work's message. The impact of a work of art is usually subtle, so you have to quiet yourself and allow the work to 'speak' to you. If you let it, it will affect you in a unique way that cannot easily be described by words - remember, it is visual, not written art. The impact will depend on the quality of the work as well as on how far you have developed your sensitivity. Some art is designed to shock but this is mostly because the artist is trying to get noticed by art dealers and the media.

What we are talking about are original works of art, not prints or reproductions. I believe that an artist transfers some of his/her life energy into an original painting, as well as some element of 'universal energy', which is what makes the painting a work of art. When you stand in front of a painting by a true master, such as a Picasso, for example, you can feel his energy vibrating from it - the painting is alive.

So how do you develop this sensitivity? Spend some time looking at art - ideally, go to major art museums, or even a variety of art galleries will help you understand what kind of art you respond to. While the selection is limited locally, the Internet is a good medium to do some research and find out what style and type of art appeals to you the most. Remember, all art is subjective, what you like may not appeal to others. When you find out what kind of paintings you like, you can focus on those and maybe even read some art books. As for buying, keep in mind that galleries charge about 50% commission and so double the artist's prices. While payment by installments is usually available, many artists are self-representing and not affiliated with a gallery and can potentially offer lower prices. The main thing is to know what you like and let that guide you. Art critics have historically been mostly wrong and buying art for investment is akin to gambling.

My own paintings are vibrant, sensual and expressive. My inspiration can come from almost anything: the shape of a tree branch, the curve of a human body, a cloud, a melody or a story. I carry this inspiration with me as I keep sketching and experimenting until I arrive at an image that is my artistic response to that inspiration. Painting itself is like a dance, it has to flow effortlessly and naturally, and it does, provided I can lose myself and connect to the creative flow.
I regularly post my new paintings on my Web site: http://members.shaw.ca/martisart/ where my buyers can stay in touch with me and purchase my art. I have had a very good response so far and have been selling my work steadily, mainly to buyers in the USA, but also around the world. By selling directly rather than through an art gallery, I am able to keep prices low and am gratified by the enthusiasm and joy of those who receive my artwork. They always say that the original is so much better than they even imagined. That is because the photos of paintings they see on the computer do not radiate the energy of the original. I also periodically exhibit in British Columbia.

All art copyright by Martina Shapiro.

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