February 14, 2009
Los Angeles, CA
Last week I attend a lecture by Milton Estrow, Editor in Chief of ArtNews Magazine at the Los Angeles County Museum of Art. The title of the lecture was “How to Look at Art without Feeling Inferior.” I was not particularly interested in the topic of the lecture, I was interested in seeing Mr Estrow speak in person.
Last year as I was sending out press packets in promotion for my exhibit for “Wok the Dog,” I had received a hand written reply from Mr Estrow himself, that he received the press kit and would pass it along to the appropriate editor at the magazine. I was blown away! WOW! Mr Milton Estrow was impressed enough with my press kit that he personally wrote me a note in return. The note speaks volumes of him as a person.
The hour he spoke was filled with anecdotes and quotes from various artists and critics. The one thing that struck a note with me from the evening is the ever shifting “value” of the artist and the art. In essence, both artistic and monetary value of artist and the art we create will always be in flux. One minute we are eating cat food out of the tin can and the next we are fetching millions at auctions. Art is always subjective and tastes is ever shifting. Mr Estrow urged us to ignore the critics in some ways and ultimately judge for ourselves the value and greatness of the art and the artist. Does it speak to you? Does it make you feel? If so, then F*ck what the critics may have to say.
Its a nice reminder of REALITY. Its always encouraging the be reminded that you will not always be on top forever, nor will you always be in the slush pile forever either. This too shall pass. If you can stay passionate to your vision, then your day as the art world darling will come. But remember, that too shall pass.
At another event last night, June Newton made this remark about her late husband, Helmut, (who is one of my FAVORITE photographers), “I didn’t used to think he was a genius, but now that he is gone, I do think he is a little bit of a genius.” Even your stock price fluctuates with your own wife and muse, how could we expect anything less from everyone else?
