Artistic Taste (or lack thereof)

Posted by Melissa Y. | April 21, 2009 | 66 Comments

I’m learning that the art in my home is a little…pedestrian.

It includes the usual suspects: boards with vinyl lettering (made by yours truly at an RS Enrichment night), twiggy wreaths, pictures of the kids.

And a Thomas Kinkade picture.

I know.

I know.

We bought it before we knew about Thomas’ unfortunate forays into the world of ceramics and other various “collectibles.” The painting was a limited edition. It was (and still is) the most expensive piece of artwork we have ever purchased. We had illusions of it increasing in value, of owning something special.

We were young.

The thing is, I still like it. It is the visual equivalent of comfort food.

We also own Greg Olsen’s O Jerusalem. The very same painting that a good friend said (before she saw it in our house) that she hated, that she thought was so sad, that she was sick of seeing everywhere. We bought it a few years into our marriage because I loved the accuracy with which he painted the Old City (I had spent a semester abroad in Jerusalem). I told myself, in the face of my friend’s vehemence, that my love for the city gave me a more valid reason for liking the painting than the general buyer. I was not merely following some superficial artistic trend.

But looking at my house, I wonder if I have a trend of my own. Most of what we have has some sentimental meaning–memories of people or places. There’s almost nothing (other than Thomas) that we chose strictly on artistic merit. So it leaves me wondering what that merit is for me.

I want to learn how to appreciate art, how to see what has value outside of my own memories and associations.

Frankly, I’m also wondering what Mormons hung on their walls before the LDS art world exploded onto the walls of Deseret Book. I think it’s easy to buy LDS art because the meaning is built in. The emotional value is inherent. It’s comfortable. And in most cases, it’s pretty.

Sometimes almost too pretty. Too posed, too perfect. I have this feeling that there is (or should be) more to it.

So tell me, how do you feel about LDS art or art in general? What do you have on your walls? What do you wish you had?

And how can I support artists if I like their work but don’t necessarily want to hang it in my living room?

Comments

66 Responses to “Artistic Taste (or lack thereof)”

Shalissa
April 21st, 2009 @ 7:20 am

Art from Deseret Book and Gospel Art kits has wonderful purposes, but it does feel trite to me when hung on my walls–I’ve seen it so much that I look right past it. I also discovered that too much religious art can make my walls look preachy to neighbors, who will avoid too-obvious conversation pieces.

But I still wanted really meaningful religious symbols to suround me and remind my children of Jesus and the scriptures. Here are a few examples of how we’ve done this…

I love the story of how rwhen Christ fed the 5000 with 5 loaves, he had TWELVE BASKETS left over. Every day I need the reminder that his grace is ABUNDANT; MORE than sufficient. So the kids and I had a FHE about the story and then we made bread and put it in baskets. We too 100 digital photos of the baskets from many directions and then chose the tope 3 pictures that made it look like there were dozens of loaves of bread. We framed and hung a 3-some of these pictures in the kitchen. I have absolutely NO photography experience, but I have had dozens of compliments on this collection. This reminds me of Christ, allows for a conversation piece, but is “generic” enough to leave on the wall even if we have to stage the house for selling.

I like to work with other scriptural images too. So my wall vase holds lillies to remind me that God will also clothe me if I am “not of little faith.”

Another favorite scripture I have is from John 15–”I am the vine, ye are the branches…the branch cannot bear fruit of itself…neither can ye except ye abide in me…” I found a magnificent metal fruitful vine ($20) to go with my kid pictures, that reminds me of the source of strength as I try to “bear fruit.”

My “generic” landscape panorama is actually a privately taken picture of Adam-ondi-Ahman, found on the internet and blown up for framing (with permission). ($7 for the frame). I talk to the kids about how Jesus will come there.

You get the idea. A simple painting of seagulls over water belongs easily in a bathroom, but can be a reminder of the seagull miracle, and so forth.

I actually experienced a lot of joy in creating (or mostly assembling) my own religious art. I have NO “artistic” talent, but I found various pieces that represented my own meanings.
Dovie
April 21st, 2009 @ 7:22 am

Like what you like, love what you love, enjoy what you enjoy and don’t worry about it.

Art is about what it does for you. Enjoy it with no excuses.

You could spend time learning what makes “good art” but not unless you want to. That is just a formula. I think sometimes that can get in the way of just enjoying it.

For example, I love all varieties of fancy imported stinky cheeses, but I also love spray cheese on Ritz crackers and don’t you dare tell me I can’t or shouldn’t. I love to eat it by myself and I love to share it with my two year old. He loves the taste and all the faces I can make with that wonderful can-o-cheese. We together, just as much enjoy munching on fancy imported stinky cheese together.

I’m not saying which art is which, just love what you love. You don’t need to make excuses.
Kent Larsen
April 21st, 2009 @ 7:30 am

IMO, the biggest problem with LDS Art is that it is all the same. Its always in a realistic style, occasionally with very obvious symbolism (such as in the atrocious “My Three White Dresses” print sold in so many LDS stores), and, as you note, it is “too perfect.” It is also so mundane that it is forgettable from the moment you stop looking at it.

With so many different styles and artists to draw inspiration from, why is LDS Art so pedestrian? so consistent? Are LDS Art buyers really only familiar and comfortable with what gets published on the cover of the Ensign?

Where are the LDS Picassos, Dalis, Warhols and Rothkos, or even the LDS Renoirs, Lautrecs and Degas? Shouldn’t there be LDS artists with an impressionist style? or in some modern style?

I know that there are LDS Artists that do this. What’s missing is any access in the market to these artists. If you go to an LDS store, you can’t buy this stuff. The variety simply isn’t available to LDS Church members, and it doesn’t appear in the Ensign. So how would you know about it?
Emily U
April 21st, 2009 @ 7:35 am

I agree with Kent – I’ve seen some unique and wonderful LDS art in the church’s museum in SLC. But the prints you could buy in the gift shop were all of the Deseret book style. If only they’d make prints of some of the more unusual ones. I guess they think no one will buy it.
Shalissa
April 21st, 2009 @ 7:35 am

One other thought that might be helpful to someone:

Many of us don’t invest much in art because we are in some sort of impermanent situation, e.g. planning to move as soon as we graduate or change jobs. It’s really hard to invest time and money in decorating that you might have to abandon it in just a year, especially if the new home ends up with different color carpets, walls, etc.

Because this was our situation for many years, (and may be in the future) I created a base of art in gold, silver, mirrors, black, white, and green (matches plants) because all of these can transfer easily to new environments. When you decide you want to change to new colors, you just switch out the ribbons, candles, and a few flowers to be as colorful as you want. But you don’t have to buy all new wall art.

It just happens that these colors (gold, green, white)can also represent a lot of scriptural themes. Mirrors can teach kids about temples/eternity. Candlesticks, vines, glass, trees, etc. are all scriptural symbols.

For what it’s worth.

I am REALLY looking forward to reading everyone else’s comments on this!
vfg
April 21st, 2009 @ 7:56 am

I, too, think it’s the overexposure that ruins a lot of it. I want art to make me think, and when it doesn’t anymore, when I look right past it because I’ve seen the image a million times, well, it ceases to move me. When I first saw O Jerusalem, on an Ensign cover in 2005 or 2006 (I was on my mission, so one of those), I was crazy moved. I think its sadness (that your friend didn’t like) makes it poignant. But by the time my in-laws gave it to us for Christmas, I’d seen it a million billion times and it had lost its poignancy.

I think particularly with religious art, I want my kids or visitors to wonder why we have it, and an original something unusual might start those conversations more than the photorealism of our most popular LDS artists. I like Kirk Richards’ paintings because they are more interpretive, but, again, now that he’s getting more exposure…less so. Which makes me see that it’s kind of an ornery-me more than an original issue. I definitely agree with your “too perfect” comment: I always tell my kids that the measure of good art isn’t how perfect the lines are, but the art should show the observer a new window on the world. We love and we need the artist because she can help us see things differently.

I did like your comfort food thought, though. I hold that, if you like it, YOU LIKE IT. “Well, good enough,” my grandma would say. Your home, your comfort.
Justine
April 21st, 2009 @ 8:07 am

We spent a whole bunch of money on three Greg Olson canvases, and I really like them. I think there are some very good LDS artists, but not all of them are ‘religious’ artists, per se. Perhaps that’s a relevant distinction in this discussion?

I like some religious art, as it seems to create a nice focus for our home. But not all our art is religious in nature, and I love its eclectic nature, which really just means that I have no overarching theme for my house, but rather a random collection of a bunch of different things.

I’m not a high-brow connoisseur or consumer of art, so I’m easy to please, I think…
Giggles
April 21st, 2009 @ 8:10 am

The art I have in my home is photos taken by me (and one my brother took), quilts I’ve made, and a wooden relief carving of Christ with the children I had made for me while I was on my mission. If I want a picture of a temple on my wall, I go to the temple and take a picture (there are three up of various views of the spires on the Salt Lake temple right now).

For me that stuff is more personal and meaningful, and it’s a way for me to increase my talents.

If you want to support local artists, go look at their stuff. You don’t even have to buy it, just look and appreciate it. Find art shows or museums and go enjoy. Simply by exposing yourself to more art you learn to appreciate it more and you learn what you like and what your opinion of good is.
FoxyJ
April 21st, 2009 @ 8:20 am

We don’t really have much ‘art’ on the walls. A framed Minerva Tiechert painting of Jesus wit the lamb is in our kids’ room. That’s the only painting we have and the only religious one. Oh, we have a painting my husband did framed and hanging in the office. Growing up my parents just had photos of us hanging on the wall. My dad is a good photographer and we had lots of unique photos. He recently found a website where you can get big enlargements of photos that are then mounted on foam board for hanging on the wall. When we moved into our current apartment he gave us an enlargement of a photo he took at the beach at sunset. It matches the colors in our room and looks beautiful.I’m not sure many people know it’s something my dad took.

For me, I prefer stuff that’s more personal like that. Plus we’ve been students our whole marriage and so we were poor and transitory. Not really great conditions for collecting art. I would eventually like to have more in my home, but I would like them to be something unique and with personal meaning. I do plan to get the Minerva Tiechert Christ in a Red Robe painting, even though it’s everywhere these days. It was hanging in the celestial room of the temple in my mission city, so it has sentimental meaning to me now.
Kathryn P.
April 21st, 2009 @ 8:22 am

I’ve been collecting “comfort food” art for twenty years. I bought “Balancing Act” by James Christensen when I was a single parent graduate student with three little kids and I was desperately trying to balance my roles as a perfect mom and perfect graduate student.

I never thought I’d buy any Greg Olson, but I did buy his “Be Not Afraid” when the Lord was patiently trying to teach me to choose faith rather than fear. It hangs in my master bedroom as a sweet reminder of the Savior’s powerful love and concern for me and my children. I also have his “Heavenly Angels” because it reminds me to be grateful for all my seen and unseen angels.

My favorite piece of art was painted by my daughter. We were redecorating the living room and we saw a dramatic painting of a solitary tree at Pier One. It seemed like the perfect motif for a household of introverted bookworms. My daughter painted her own version on a huge canvas and it is now the focal point of the room. My daughter has married and moved to another state, but I will always have that painting to remind me of my dramatic and talented daughter.

My next purchase will be a Minerva Teichert painting. I took my activity day class to see her exhibit at the BYU Art Museum a couple years ago. One of the girls LOVED Minerva’s “The Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse” and she said that she’d love to have that painting in her bedroom because it would motivate her to never sin again! That is NOT the painting I’d purchase. One person’s passion is another person’s nightmare…
Lindsay
April 21st, 2009 @ 8:33 am

I once told my humanities teacher that I really didn’t like Jackson Pollock’s work a whole lot, but that I might hang it in my bathroom if it matched the color scheme. He was scandalized, but I feel that art, pictures, candles and knick knacks are all just small pieces of a bigger picture, anyway. I like the “mormon home” look, though my house doesn’t fit the mold. I often see things in peoples’ homes that look rather funny on their own (moss covered bunny on a stick, crouching metal frog, and let’s be honest, some of those vinyl lettered tiles and plaques), but in the context of everything else in the room they look classy or cute or rustic.

And as far as art goes, I think it’s more than okay to buy something just because you like it. Even if everyone else on your street has it, too. Even if it doesn’t (gasp) make you think deep thoughts every time you look at it. Pick what you like, and don’t worry about whether you like it because it’s super meaningful or just because you know it would look great on that bare spot of wall in your living room.
TJ Hirst
April 21st, 2009 @ 8:33 am

This is a tricky issue in our day. I think commercialization of art is what gives us that feeling that is described here, that we are following a trend. Sometimes that diminishes art’s value in our minds. But as a society, that’s how we know what to value–what is marketed to us. It’s a bad system for all the creative fields, but it’s the only one we have.

I’ve learned to work within it, determining my own style and doing the legwork on particular artists I like myself. One of the ways we’ve done that is to browse the Museum of Church History and Art (now I believe the church history museum) or other galleries for artists we like and look at other work that is lesser known. We’ve found several artists like this and then purchased giclee prints on canvas of their work (but small and less expensive prints are also available). One of our favorites is Walter Rane. We also found a Arnold Frieberg painting of missionaries teaching people in Denmark (my relatives joined the church in Denmark) with family members having the same names as our girls.

We can use some of the things we see others do, but just placing them the same way into our own setting, without individual inspiration about what and how to do it, will always look copied and date itself when the trend is over. For instance, I have vinyl lettering in my house, too. But I think it bucks the trend because it isn’t the same “emotionally charged” words repeated for emphasis that don’t have true meaning to us. It came out of my own spiritual experience and creative configuration.

So in a nutshell, find what you like, but dig deeper and make it your own.
Angela
April 21st, 2009 @ 8:39 am

TJ, I like Walter Rane, too. I also love Brian Kershisnik’s work. Although it’s not all religious, some of it is, and his Nativity painting is one of my favorite pieces. Go to this link, then scroll all the way to the bottom to enlarge that particular painting: http://www.kershisnik.com/image-thumbnails.php?year=2006&pagename=Images

Of course, I don’t OWN a Brian Kershisnik yet. But I plan to someday.

I’m also lucky because my brother is a painter, so I have four of his original paintings in my house. He paints some religious stuff–he’s done some really beautiful paintings of temples. Since he’s not a well-known painter (yet!) his originals are relatively inexpensive. And original! His website is: http://anthonysweat.com/default.aspx

And if you go to the link and wonder, he also co-authored the new book “Why: Powerful Answers and Practical Reasons for Living LDS Standards.” You might have seen it advertised during conference if you live in Utah (that kinda funky, hip ad for teens). So, yeah, he’s a writer AND a painter. And an all around wonderful human being on top of it. I gave up trying to catch him long ago . . .
cindy baldwin
April 21st, 2009 @ 8:44 am

I love beautiful art that makes me stop and think, but that is not what I have (now, anyway) on the walls of my apartment. I put up things that have significance to me, that will bring in the Spirit, that will remind me to find joy. Right now, these are: a cluster of pictures (including a photo I took of the Rexburg temple, a generic picture of Christ, and wedding pictures) around the Proclamation the Family. Lots of pictures in various locations of my husband and I together. A trio of simple silhouette paintings I made to bring color into my front room. One of these days, I’m going to put up beach photographs I took in our bathroom, too.

While I love art galleries and “real” art, that is not necessarily what I feel the need to hang in my apartment. I like things that I’ve made, pictures that I’ve taken, photographs that capture moments in my life that I don’t want to forget. One of the pictures I have up is a 5×7 that was taken shortly after my husband and I got engaged. There are definite problems with the composition of the photograph, but I love the expression on my face – total happiness. That is what I want to remember. To me, for now anyway, that is art.
eljee
April 21st, 2009 @ 8:55 am

I don’t have the money for the kind of art I would like. Most of what I have on my walls is family photos. I have one Greg Olsen painting of the Savior holding a child. I happen to like Greg Olsen’s work. I also like the work of the female artist who has done all those paintings of Joseph and Emma (I can’t think of her name). There are many LDS artists whose work I don’t like. I buy what I like and don’t buy what I don’t like. I don’t really care what other people think or whether it’s too popular. I definitely don’t choose artwork for my home based on what my neighbors might think or whether it might make them uncomfortable! It’s my home, my space!
Melissa
April 21st, 2009 @ 8:58 am

I appreciate the suggestions on artists or sites to visit. I don’t necessarily want my home to feel like an art museum. It’s far from that now, and I’m fine with that because I love what we have. I would just like to become more educated, find works outside of what is available in the mainstream, maybe start collecting small prints in a book or something.

I love hearing about what has meaning to other people. Thanks for sharing!
Sharlee
April 21st, 2009 @ 9:20 am

I’m very excited about what is happening in the LDS visual art scene. We have some amazing emerging artists. Several of you have mentioned Walter Rane and Brian Kershisnik. Another artist to keep an eye on is Ron Richmond. You can see some of his work here:

http://www.marshallartsgallery.com/artists/richmond/rrichmond.html

Breathtaking stuff.

A few other names: Dahrl Thomson (sculptor), Lee Bennion, Sharon Furner . . . We’ve featured some of these artists in Segullah.
Dovie
April 21st, 2009 @ 9:29 am

I love fine art, I love craft art, I love textile art.

I spent much of my spring break dragging my children from museum to museum. I got a little emotional in a museum that I spent a lot of time in as a teenager and young adult. It felt like coming home.

I just think that people (me included) worry to much about what they should love and enjoy instead of actually enjoying art and letting it inform their understanding. Sometimes I even hold back on the artists interpretations until I’ve let it effect me without any prejudice or preconceptions, not just with visual arts but music, literature and film. When I’m concerned about things other than this piece of work and its relationship with me it kind of a spoiler to the experience.

I do wish that there were more variety in the art commercially available, especially LDS themed. I try not to be self conscious if I really like it, I let myself like it, even if it is everywhere.
traci
April 21st, 2009 @ 9:41 am

I never thot of buying the art to match a room. Good art would stand out in any room. I have some pieces from local artists and my husband has some poster like pictures of wolves etc. There are a few family pictures. There are also some of my own pieces.

The best advice about pictures I ever got was to change them with the seasons. Then there is more opportunity for show and change. I like that.

About LDS art….well…to be perfectly frank it does look too perfect. This almost puts a caricture or cartoon effect to it. There does not seem to be any room for individuality in it. And it is very obvious. Sorry…..
Carina
April 21st, 2009 @ 9:50 am

My life is not complete without art.

I studied it, love it, buy it, make it, display it.

And I really do not care for most of the current LDS artists.

In order for me to display a piece in my home that art needs to speak to me; it needs to burrow its way under my skin until I can’t imagine living without it. I prefer abstract expressionism (like Rothko) and usually I don’t like representational art.

There are, however, some amazingly talented and emotionally powerful LDS artists that are less well known. I absolutely adore Darren Breen’s work; it has religious overtones, but with a sense of humor and joy. Kirk Richards is simply amazing–I would be lucky to own one of his pieces, I hope it’s an original someday. Ike Bushman is fantastic–he’s not everyone’s cup of tea, but he’s mine. Kershisnik finds the divinity in everyday life, and has a special affinity for the holiness of women. Just look at his “But Ruth Clave Unto Her” and tell me you aren’t moved. Cassandra Barney is absolutely wonderful.

There are a dozen more artists I could name that each provide a unique experience that you are never going to find in Deseret Book.

So often, prints do not do the art justice. I don’t really care for Olson, but I’ve only ever seen his ubiquitous prints and never experienced one in person. Maybe I’d like him more if I was actually in the presence of one of his works.

My parents displayed personal and incredible works of art in their home–all of them prints. Our house was unlike any of my friend’s houses: we had Klimt, early Picasso, some impressionists, Dürer, and all kinds of medieval art. We had religious pieces, but they were classical. For example, they displayed the Fra Angelico’s Annunciation. I take their example of finding pieces that speak to me and display them for my family.

There gallery strolls in just about every major city. I know that both SLC and Provo have gallery strolls about once a month. They’re a great date opportunity: it’s free to walk and the galleries usually have appetizers to munch on as you contemplate the works. Often, the art displayed is affordable.

I’d challenge you to start looking beyond mass market stores and begin to truly experience your local art community.
Melissa
April 21st, 2009 @ 9:53 am

Another painter I discovered recently is J. Kirk Richards. Intriguing work.

Dovie, you bring up an interesting point about preconceptions. It reminds me of the last line of Sharlee’s “Mimesis Upended” poem–”the prejudice of education.” I would like to experience the artistic realm without prejudice, but there is quite a bit of risk that I would dismiss a diamond as a piece of glass. I’d like to be able to recognize a diamond, even if I prefer pearls (or glass, for that matter).

One of my music professors once told about a woman who came to him and asked for music lessons. She was too old to play, she just wanted to learn how to appreciate music. “I don’t like Bach,” she said, “but I know enough people who do–people who know what great music is–to trust their opinions. I want you to teach me what it is that makes Bach great.”

That’s how I’m feeling about my relationship with art right now. I want to learn the various principles that contribute to greatness. With most of my training being in music, however, I’m not sure if the analogy to Bach is apt.

I’ve wondered if that woman ever really learned to love listening to Bach, or just learned to appreciate his greatness, because they’re two different things. I think it’s possible to become educated about the arts while still maintaining a perspective on what you actually like.

What do you think?
Melissa
April 21st, 2009 @ 9:57 am

Carina, we must have been typing at the same time. Thanks for the links!
Sue
April 21st, 2009 @ 10:01 am

In general, I’m not into LDS art. I do have a picture of the Savior in my entryway/living room, and I also have the picture where angels are pushing the handcart in my office. Both are there because they inspire me. Next to my picture of the Savior is a plaque that says “Be still and know that I AM.” A reminder, for me.

The rest of my house is filled with things I’ve picked up over the years…pieces I like that hold meaning for me. I have an oil painting from Italy that my DIL brought home for me, a beautiful still of a book, a pen, a feather, a candle, and a vase that really gets to me, a large oak tree, a French vineyard, a fall scene, children dressed as pirates playing in a treehouse, etc. etc. Different moods for different rooms. And also, many family photos.

I’m not much concerned with what is considered “good art” by world at large. I only care about what evokes feeling in me. And has significance to me.

Basically, I decorate my home to make myself feel good and create a mood that nurtures me. After all, I’m here more than anyone else, right?!

=)
Carina
April 21st, 2009 @ 10:25 am

And now I am plagued with the guilt of not specifically naming all of the incredible artists I know (Marsha.)
Angie
April 21st, 2009 @ 10:34 am

My walls have lots of comfort art–not all the DB kind, but stuff that has meaning to me for one reason or another. Pictures inherited from friends or family, needlework done by friends or family, family photos, and yes, pictures of the Savior and the temple. I have a few nature prints and prints of pieces by famous artists, and for various reasons they fall into the category of comfort art as well. That’s okay with me. My home is about creating an atmosphere of peace and comfort for our family. I do make an effort to look at and discuss pictures of art as art with my kids as part of our schooling, and if I had more talent in the visual arts maybe I could create a homely atmosphere in a more sophisticated way, but right now what we have is working for us.
Angie
April 21st, 2009 @ 10:36 am

Homey. Although homely would probably be an apt word compared to what some of you are coming up with.
jendoop
April 21st, 2009 @ 10:45 am

Great comments so far- I agree, great art isn’t matchy matchy with the decor. If you love it hang it, to heck with the opinions of others. The idea of making your own art that is personally meaningful- is also a keeper.

Wow, I’m amazed that no one has mentioned the church’s international art competition. Even if you aren’t in Utah you can see the entire exhibition online-

http://www.lds.org/ch/remembering/exhibit_2009.html

Over the years I have watched this competition become more eclectic, it is great to see the LDS art world expanding! Support the show and vote for original “out of the box” art for the viewer’s choice award.

If you want more artwork that is not ‘too perfect’ you have to vote with your wallet. The only way artists will succeed and paint more is if you buy. It’s the facts of life.

Often what can help you appreciate art is understanding history and symbolism. As an example; if you look through the online version of the church exhibition I posted above you will see that with each piece of artwork there is a brief explanation by the artist. Some of the artists do a wonderful job of explaining the symbolism and history behind their piece. Sometimes that can make all the difference in understanding where the artist is coming from.
she-bop
April 21st, 2009 @ 11:07 am

I have a hard time with a lot of LDS art. There just seems to be something fake and too commercial about it. If it’s at Deseret Book, it’s not for me. I don’t discount the artists and their talent, I just don’t like the “if you’re Mormon, you have to have one” attitude I see. And I don’t mind if other people have it, I just won’t.

I think art needs to speak to you, there should be some emotional connection. Either with the artist, or with the piece.

I love going on gallery strolls. I love going to museums. I love researching artists on the internet. I love going to art festivals. I take my kids with me, and teach them that we are all artists, in our own way. I collect original pieces. Glass, ceramics, paintings, assemblages, photography – I love it all. A great way to start is buying local. Go to art shows, and craft shows. No one ever said true art has to be expensive. Start small. Buy what you love. And learn to appreciate the creative process. When I talk to artists, I love to hear their passion. Make your own art, hang your children’s art. Anything looks important with a nice frame on it.

I am opinionated about art. But I am not judgemental. Just because something isn’t for me, doesn’t mean it’s not for someone else. I respect anyone that tries to make a living being an artist. It’s tough. Even if I can’t afford a piece I have noticed that artists love to talk about what they went through to create it. Go to gallery openings and get to know artists – it’s a lot of fun.

I do like the various art shows that go through the Church Museum and often wonder why some of those pieces don’t end up as prints. But then I sometimes wonder if I’d buy one, because I like to own originals. A strange thought process, I know.

All I do know is, be sure of yourself. If you love your Greg Olsen print, then I love it for you. But if you’re succumbing to the thought that you need it because he’s an LDS artist, and you’re LDS and should have it, then I say think again. Get something that you have a connection to. Be yourself, and that’s fine with me.
Camille
April 21st, 2009 @ 11:27 am

I love Minerva Teichert. Her images are so different than what you see portrayed in typical LDS scenes.
wendy
April 21st, 2009 @ 12:00 pm

We have nothing on canvas except a darling painting of our son by my sil. We do have a framed print of Walter Rane’s that I love, a small framed picture of Christ (I forget the older artist), a Minerva Teichert waiting to be framed, a Norman Rockwell puzzle I’m going to have framed soon that I LOVE (the golden rule with pics of people from many cultures/religions), and someday I dream of owning some specific Christensens, Swindles and Blochs that I adore.

I’m not an artistic snob. I AM too cheap to buy much and will probably never purchase anything on canvas.

I agree with whoever said love what you love. Greg Olsen and others have done some beautiful work. It’s okay to like or not like them. I also really like a lot of the ideas of creating your own art mentioned above.
Leslie
April 21st, 2009 @ 12:12 pm

Okay so you stole my idea for a post- just joking- as an artist this is one thing that has always been hard for me. There is a relative lack of diversity in the accessible LDS art, very much of it is the far end of realism. The M of Church History & Art competitions often have some wonderful pieces. I wish more of them could make it into people’s living rooms! I love Rose Datoc Dall’s work. (she was a past cover artist and we are hoping to interview her soon)
I love more expressive, interpretive pieces. I like a lot more abstraction. For me the personalization is in that. Sometimes too much realism fails to allow me to find as many layers of meaning in the piece. More and more I find religious themes and concepts to be the focus of my art, but through alot more symbolic presentations– They aren’t images of church history figures or scriptural places. For example my Aspen pieces are metaphors for mortality, my garden pieces which have to do with our influence and connection, my reaching trees are symbolic of the generative power of women, some of my branch piees are based on virtues.

That being said my advice is – explore art, go and look, visit museums and galleries- find your style what touches and reaches you. Don’t buy it because someone else likes it.

I love original art. There is something in the touch and feel of it. I too recommend seeking out local galleries and artists.
eljee
April 21st, 2009 @ 12:56 pm

I’d really like to hear more about how people come up with the money to buy all this beautful, unique, original art? I know that coming up with $75 bucks to buy a 50% off Greg Olsen print (on the small side) was a big deal for us. (And I do actually like the print.) I see paintings advertised for $300, $400, $500 dollars and up, and I don’t know how people do it. I do love art, but when I have that kind of money,which is rarely, I have a very lengthy list of things that I need to do with it–we’re still living with mostly old, hand-me-down furniture and things like that.

Even if you buy a print only, the cost of having it matted and framed is still exorbitant.

I totally understand about artists needing to be fairly compensated for their talent, time, and effort. I’m a professional musician, and I feel the same way about my own endeavors. I’m just genuinely curious how people afford this.

One thing I really want to do is find ways to display my children’s art. I’d love to have that be the focal point of my house.
Leslie
April 21st, 2009 @ 1:04 pm

eljee- this is the thing alot of times original art really doesn’t turn out to be that much more than prints- because of alot of the matting and framing costs.

you can also look at places like yessy.com where you have many self representing artists and often reasonable prices. My childrens art decorates our playroom. I frame it in inexpensive 8×10 frames or have them paint on canvas boards and set them on shelves, the tops of door frames, windows etc.
Maralise
April 21st, 2009 @ 1:21 pm

I guess I can say in response to Kent (and as Artistic Director) that Segullah is a great place to see contemporary and ‘different’ LDS art. We’ve featured many diverse artists (sculptors, painters, realistic and modern art) in our journal and also point our readers to their websites so their pieces can be purchased. We also sample the featured artist’s work for our blog and indicate what artist we’re featuring.

Since I’ve come, we’ve showcased Rose Datoc Dall, Mandi Felici, Lee Bennion, Sharon Furner, Cassandra Christensen and Emily McPhie, and Leslie Graff (in our next issue). Have I missed someone?

I’m also in the process of gathering the artists’ blog addresses so we can add them to our sampler (some are already there).

But back to the original questions:

My problem is not with LDS art (because in doing my job I have found an astounding and diverse collection of artists) but the LDS consumer. The often trite connection between religious art and ‘righteous’ art is frustrating for me. IMO, art is and should be, by its nature, revolutionary and the purposes of the church should not have to be married with a particular piece in order for that piece to be worthy of one’s attention (or wall space). There is a point where art becomes propoganda. And that, IMO, is the danger in the oversimplification of LDS art as seen in Deseret Book, etc…

I’d love to buy that piece by Fuchs that I saw last weekend (for 50,000 Euros) but alas, that’s not going to happen. In the mean time, what I’d like is to save up to buy a piece of art from the LDS artists that I know and love. And more importantly search for new LDS artists to purchase from (much cheaper that way). So, there you go. My goal for 2009: buy a piece of art from an up and coming LDS artist. There, I’m feeling better already.
al
April 21st, 2009 @ 1:31 pm

I like photographs of family on my walls. Not the ones where you pose in a studio, but artistic ones taken by my friends with nice cameras.

My DH is still in school so we aren’t able to spend money on art but I will say…
It has always bugged me when I see pictures of the Savior where he looks Caucasian or African or Asian. Wasn’t he Jewish and born in the middle east?
Before I joined the LDS church I attended several Christian congregations where their paintings of the Savior had him looking pasty-white. Even as a child it confused me.
I guess that’s all I have to say about art.

I’m lovin’ the links though!
Angela
April 21st, 2009 @ 1:34 pm

Ooh, Carina, thanks for those links. Kirk Richards especially. His work is right up my alley, and there are small giclee prints I can afford! I’ve been looking for a unique portrait of Christ–and his are gorgeous.
Tiffany W.
April 21st, 2009 @ 2:13 pm

If I had the money, I would do everything in my power, to at least buy a print of a painting I saw in a small Swedish museum showing a peasant home, with a mother, obviously burdened by children. One child is nursing, another is eating from a bowl that she is holding and another is clinging to her. It isn’t an idealized scene in my mind. The woman is obviously poor and tired, the home is slightly dirty and very simple. And yet, I think the artist captured something for me that really spoke to me. He portrayed something out of my life–capturing both the magic, mundane, and difficulty of being a mother. I know this discussion has turned to one about LDS artists. I don’t really have an opinion about that. But I do like art that means something to me, speaks to me, and moves me. I can’t even remember the artist’s name of my favorite picture, (although it is recorded in my journal) but I made an effort each time I visited the museum to take a few minutes and really study the painting. That’s what I do with extra cash lying around (after buying furniture and curtains!).
Tiffany W.
April 21st, 2009 @ 2:14 pm

Carina, I’m so glad you pointed out Cassandra Barney’s work. I saw a painting of hers awhile ago, but couldn’t find the source until you reminded me!
ameliorate me
April 21st, 2009 @ 2:48 pm

It is possible to find good art for reasonable prices.

Our living room is decorated with paintings from artists we found on trips to Mexico. Beautiful paintings. It very much fits with our style – bold colors, southwest feel. We bought these in our poor student years for pretty cheap and love them.

I am going to give a plug for local artists. We have ceramics, drawings, screen prints and paintings from Utah artists and others that have sold in the state. Nothing over $50 – most under $20. The Utah Arts Festival and Park City Arts Festival are great resources for finding art. Gallery strolls in SLC and Provo were mentioned – Park City has an awesome gallery stroll as well. Utah Artist Hands is another great spot for local art.
Red
April 21st, 2009 @ 3:23 pm

I didn’t get to read all the comments, but there are some great LDS artists out there. Brian Kershisnik is a favorite of mine (and he does have one piece available through LDS Distribution–you can order giclee prints through lds.org) and J. Kirk Richards is fantastic. If you are local, keep an eye on the basement at the BYU Bookstore (near the framing section). They often have more unusual prints that still have religious themes that are available for $25-$50.

Also, spend some time on Etsy or elsewhere online. There is an over-abundance of affordable art that could capture the feelings and themes you want without resorting to the same old kitschy stuff from the Gospel Art Kit. For stuff that’s not usually religious but is usually very interesting, check http://www.20×200.com. Great prices.

AND, most important, hang what you love, no matter what anyone else thinks.
Selwyn
April 21st, 2009 @ 3:32 pm

I agree with Jendoop – the International Art Competition is amazing for different styles etc.

I have saved some of the pictures to my computer and use them as desktop wallpaper, or sometimes print out just to look at for a while because they resonate with me, and obviously getting the original or a print is not going to happen!

I haven’t seen much of this year’s range, but in the first tab of artists there is a digital picture called “Walking in Heaven” – it is amazing. Definately different, definately touched me.

Another option is to check out Christian artists. There being no LDS stores in Australia (yes, really! The importing taxes/regulations/exchange rate seems to wear them down to non-feasibility) I sometimes go to Christian bookstores for gifts, dvds etc. I feel hard in love with one picture years ago and spent $150 on it. I have not regretted it once. It is by an American artist Thomas Blackshear, and the picture is “Watchers in the Night” – http://www.blackshearonline.com/cgi-bin/globaltemplate.cgi?id=19 . It is the only “art” I have, though I have framed some cards and a calendar page (“Peace” by Dan Gerhartz) I like too.

This post is another reason I want to go visit the US with an empty suitcase – add prints or funky new artist originals to my shopping list!
Cheri
April 21st, 2009 @ 4:16 pm

Angela,as soon as you said “Nativity” I knew it had to be that one! I was completely bowled over by it at the BYU Art Museum a few years back–how the motion captures the joy & anticipation, plus compositionally how it directs you to the little family, the angel faces of all ages with all their different responses, Mary with her disheveled hair and tired eyes nursing while loving women look on, and weary, overwhelmed Joseph. Plus the dog has a litter–a fun, humorous touch.

This is the difference between DB art and fine art. DB art is an illustration, a perfectly realistic portrayal of a person or event. Fine art interprets.

Thanks, everyone, for all the ideas of emerging artists to keep an eye on.
Claudia
April 21st, 2009 @ 5:13 pm

LDS Religious art in general is a bit too cheesy for me. I don’t have much art in my house. My favorite painting is one by Charles Muldowney called Washing the Feet. It is a picture of Jesus washing Peter’s feet. It focuses on the hands of the Savior, the basin, and Peter’s feet. The faces are not pretty and smooth with all the artificial cleanness. They are work worn faces with a quality of realness. You won’t find a Muldowney at Deseret Book. It is a shame.

He lives and works in Valley Forge, PA. He uses his own family as models for his paintings. They are full of character.
Kent Larsen
April 21st, 2009 @ 5:18 pm

Selwyn (41) wrote: “There being no LDS stores in Australia (yes, really! The importing taxes/regulations/exchange rate seems to wear them down to non-feasibility)”

I’m not in Australia, but I do know about your pain. Australia is one of a handful of countries around the world that charge a duty to import books, which is why LDS stores have a hard time there compared to England, for example.

Unfortunately, no one has jumped on the rather obvious solution of printing in Australia (with digital printing, this should be an option).

But, to bring this back to the topic, aren’t there LDS Artists in Australia? I hate to hear stories like this where it sounds like there is an unspoken assumption that the only true gospel products come from Utah. With more than 90% of the Church outside of the US, shouldn’t LDS artists from elsewhere be influencing the art that hits Utah?
Kent Larsen
April 21st, 2009 @ 5:19 pm

OOPS, make that 90% of the Church outside of Utah, not outside of the US. My bad.
Brenda
April 21st, 2009 @ 8:10 pm

My walls mostly consist of photo’s. I love to take pictures of my kids and love the whole black and white artsy thing. I’ve never been into LDS art, but would like some just to represent our faith. I just haven’t found any that suits my taste or home decor. I did see a gorgeous picture of the Portland temple (where my husband and I were married) done in an old weathered black and white. But I didn’t have $300 on me. Maybe someday…

As for other LDS decor, I hate any dried weeds hanging on the wall. Sisters, please, remove those. No offense, but they really aren’t attractive.
Emily M.
April 21st, 2009 @ 9:33 pm

I love the Nativity painting. I went back to that exhibit to see it again. I could stare at it for hours.

My favorite art in my home was given to me by a good friend recently when I had a difficult time; I could stare at it for hours too. One day I hope to fill my walls with art that I love. I don’t know much about art, really, but even in my ignorance there are pieces that I love, that resonate with me.

Carina, thanks for the great links. I remembered Kirk Richards’ paintings from that exhibit as well. Impressive, powerful.

I don’t mind commercial LDS art, some of it. What I hate are the paintings where the Savior looks like a hippie. Nothing against hippies per se; I do not mind real life ones. But I think you know the style I’m talking about. I know that the painter intended to make the Savior seem more accessible, more human, down-to-earth, but to me they feel disrespectful. Whereas the Nativity, or Kirk Richards, show the Savior’s mission in a respectful but also sometimes raw way.
Sue
April 21st, 2009 @ 9:51 pm

I don’t like religious art – it makes me twitchy. Must be the devil in me. I have a few pictures of my kids hanging, and a few paintings my mom did, but other than that the walls are pretty barren – a product of moving and then moving back and then feeling afraid to put pictures back up for fear I’d jinx it.

“No offense, but they really aren’t attractive.”

Well… to YOU. Obviously whoever put them up liked them well enough. I don’t have any “weeds” hanging in my house, but – can’t we just let people enjoy and appreciate what they like without getting all taste police about it?

Thinking about decorating gives me a headache, because too often it seems like competition, not decorating.

I will be one hundred percent honest – if I had scads of money, my house would look exactly like a Pottery Barn catalog. Would it bother me that fifteen million other homes looked just like mine, and that people might think I was being unoriginal and pedestrian? NOT A BIT.
Dovie
April 21st, 2009 @ 10:09 pm

Melissa, I think that you have a good point. I think that your analogy works. I just remember being in high school, learning about principles of composition and color, and a little bit of the science of art, and why something is pleasing to look at and something else is not. It is fascinating stuff but a side effect I found for a while I was sometimes dismissive and overly critical and it really impeded my ability to enjoy beauty for beauty’s sake. Now that I am older and life (or maybe just me) kind of got in the way of actually studying art like I thought I might, I enjoy it so much more. Like I did as a child. I guess the other stuff is still there and if some day I decide that I want to study or create artistically it will be more important to me. Maybe it will be different now that I am not a teenager…

I have had some wonderful experiences with the arts when I have been uninformed and uninitiated. For example I love a song in a series of songs by a LDS composer. They are part of a bigger narrative. One of the songs is two part, two people singing from different perspectives. I first heard it before I understood its meaning in the narrative. It was one of the most profound things that the Spirit has taught me about the plan of Salvation. I just wept and my heart was enlarged and I glimpsed a minute sliver of the love our Heavenly Father has for us even in the midst of the mess we sometimes make down here in mortality, how His every action is for the redemption of his children those who will choose and those who will not choose to be redeemed… totally not the point of the song. When I did experience it in context a whole other layer of meaning was added, but in some ways less profound than the first. Also I am very glad I learned to love it before my neighbor who is musically trained totally dissed all over this particular composer. As much as I hate to admit it, that blistering critique affects my enjoyment of it now.

I was captivated by the cover art on an December Ensign a few years ago. It was a detail from a painting by Joseph Brickey. Later I found a book on the Nativity that was illustrated with his works on the subject. Yet another weeping session as I savored every page. Then just as wonderful he had a brief section of notes at the end explaining the composition elements and symbolism of each piece of work. I was grateful for that and it added meaning to each of the pages but I loved how that work spoke to me the first time through.

I’ve had this same type of experience with other works of art, literature and film. Knowledge and the power it brings is a blessing but in some situations I prefer to be an innocent, or at least experience things as one.
wonder woman
April 21st, 2009 @ 10:18 pm

Most of the art in our home is LDS art. And most of it, we received as wedding gifts. I like the tone they set in our home. Yes, it’s the “Woman at the Well” and “Consider the Lilies,” but they aren’t as popular as some others by Greg Olson or Simon Dewey. We also have a pencil drawing of the Nauvoo temple, where my DH and I were married. Next to it is a black and white photo from our wedding of us holding hands and looking to the spires of the temple. Underneath is a vinyl lettering in black and white that says TEMPLE with “I’m going there someday” on the top of it. All very common things in LDS homes, but the arrangement is beautiful. I know I’m not an im-partial judge, but we always get comments on it.

We also have the Families are Forever framed and sitting on our entertainment center. I’ve considered changing it many times, but I don’t know what else I would put up there. I don’t have hundreds (or tens!) of dollars to spend on cute or classy home decor.

Whatever is on your walls sets the tone of your home. I like that I have more than one picture of the temple. LDS art seems to speak to me more than classical or impressionist or whatever art.

If I had the money, I’d buy religious pieces that move me, and that AREN’T cookie cutter. Because while my home is fairly tradition-LDS-feeling, I don’t want you to feel like you’ve already been in my home because I have the same stuff everyone else has.

A man in my last ward is an amazing painter. He actually won an art contest the Ensign’s annual art contest. He painted the last supper, and it was amazing. He’s used some good friends of mine as models, and I’d love to have an original of his.

His wife just posted his most recent work on her blog. http://mcpherson4.blogspot.com/2009/04/my-bennys-latest-paintings.html I’m particularly fond of “Fallen.”
Jennie
April 21st, 2009 @ 11:21 pm

LDS art? Ugh, don’t make me barf. However, let me start by saying that I have a giant Greg Olden painting in my Living Room that my mother-in-law bought for me.

There are so many gorgeous works showing Christ and stories from the scriptures that it’s a shame we just get the same artists shoved down our throats.

When I taught Primary I’d bring along piles of art books. I wanted them to have different ideas of what things might have looked like. I especially love Caravaggio. His portrayals of Biblical scenes are so moving. I especially love his Doubting Thomas.
http://www.abcgallery.com/C/caravaggio/caravaggio34.html
she-bop
April 22nd, 2009 @ 12:45 am

Jennie brings up a point I’ve been thinking about. What do you do when you receive, with love, a piece of art you don’t like? Do you hang it? Do you hang it just while that person is visiting? Or do you not hang it? and how do you handle that?

I have been given all kinds of pieces over the years, and nothing goes on my walls I don’t love. I’m just sitting here thinking I’ve probably hurt some feelings over the years. What do some of you do?
Selwyn
April 22nd, 2009 @ 2:14 am

Kent makes the good point that there are LDS artists everywhere.

The main problem with “everywhere” is finding out about them. Word of mouth seems to be the best way of doing it, though finding out about any budding/practising artists is difficult, particularly if they dismiss what they do as it “isn’t like LDS artists at Deseret.”

I do wish digital printing was more mainstream and practised.
Melissa
April 22nd, 2009 @ 8:42 am

Dovie, interesting point that ignorance is sometimes bliss. I confess my music training has made it harder for me to enjoy LDS music. Sometimes the cerebral stuff can distract. I’m trying to be more laid back, though.

Love the “Fallen” link. Thank you.

Jennie, I’ve never seen that Caravaggio. Wow.

I’m not sure how to handle the gifted art problem. We’ve been given some things over the years, more decor stuff than art, and it’s hard when the item is really not your style. I’m sure I’ve hurt some feelings too by not displaying them.
Becca
April 22nd, 2009 @ 9:02 am

I love this topic. My husband and I had strong feelings that we wanted to stay far away from the traditional pop Mormon artists. So many of them show Christ looking like Fabio.

We went on a long hunt to find some truly great art that also made us feel reverence for the Savior.

The answer for us was in Rembrandt. We have a gorgeous detail of one of his etchings of Christ, then another oil of the woman taken in adultery, and one more that I can’t remember. But they’re absolutely gorgeous, and I love that they don’t have the same Greg Olson-y feel to them.
eljee
April 22nd, 2009 @ 9:29 am

Dovie, I really loved your post and could relate a lot, especially to the music analogy. I’m a classically-trained musician, and my training definitely keeps me from enjoying most LDS music. I’ve been reading most of the discussion thinking it sounded a bit “snobby”, but if we were talking about music instead of art, I’d be the snobby one, no doubt about it. I feel the same way about Janice Kapp Perry that many posters here feel about Greg Olsen.
jenny
April 22nd, 2009 @ 10:08 am

Fabio…
(giggle)
So true!

I love hearing everyone’s opinion and love all the great links.
wendy
April 22nd, 2009 @ 1:17 pm

Dovey and eljee and Sue, thank you. I’ve been thinking most people here sure would mock some of my art choices and it hasn’t felt very good. I have enjoyed looking at the other links here, but please don’t judge me for choosing something different to put in my home.
Melissa
April 22nd, 2009 @ 2:08 pm

Wendy, the feeling that people would mock my Thomas Kinkade is what prompted me to write the post. I came across a blog conversation elsewhere that was quite condemning of anyone who would own one and found myself blushing. But I do still like the painting.

I appreciate all who have shared their own tastes and links to great sites, and have allowed for a wide spectrum of differences when it comes to what we have in our homes.

p.s. I have dried weeds on my wall, too.
Liz C
April 24th, 2009 @ 10:44 am

I like some of the LDS commercial art, but not the airbrushed stuff… too cartoonish for me, as I prefer a whole stack of Pre-Raphaelite painters to one airbrushed perfection.

My other gripe: research. I realize not everyone has my own particular obsession, but the artists who are publishing “early Restoration” work are just hosing up the clothing and material culture details. Really hosing.
jendoop
April 24th, 2009 @ 2:21 pm

Liz, you are right! That relates to what a previous comment said about Jesus appearing white, not Jewish. With older paintings it could be the information just wasn’t known but with recent work the artist should do more research before putting so much of their talent into it – although it could be a style over substance issue too.
she-bop
April 27th, 2009 @ 3:35 pm

FYI – the Spring Salon at the Springville Art Museum just opened, till July. A good place to become familiar with a lot of local talent.
Lindsay
April 28th, 2009 @ 1:51 pm

I do like Greg Olson, but not necessarily the religious pics. We have Castles in the Sky in my daughters room and the one of the little boy playing Noahs Ark with the dinosaurs in our family room. In the hallway we have a limited edition Leonard Parkin print of No Boundaries. I’m not sure if you can even find any Leonard Parkin anything any more.

I can’t stand James Christensen or Thomas Kinkade.

I say go to local galleries. I have a signed Gayla Price print of a woman in a field of flowers in a dress that looks remarkably like my wedding dress that I found for $10.

I have always loved Van Goghs Starry Night so we have a print of that over our bed. My mom quilted a bedspread with fabric that matches the painting. In our mud room we have Nighthawks because I’ve always loved that picture.
Nate
May 13th, 2009 @ 5:47 pm

We’ve all got our own opinions I guess…but it might be helpful if we can look at the intentions of these artists. You can get caught up in the paintings themselves (the composition, the style, the way Christ looks, the color of his robes, and even the social perceptions of the piece) OR you can look beyond the surface of the painting and see the message the artist is trying to convey. These guys don’t know what Jesus looks like any better than you and I do, and I don’t think they claim to know it either. But try and cut these guys some slack and realize that their intentions are to merely point us in a direction that may take us to a higher place. I’m not saying everyone should like it, but instead of bashing them maybe we can just say “that isn’t for ME, but it might be for YOU”. Just a thought.
Brionna
August 12th, 2009 @ 12:57 pm

I’ve looked at rexpriceart.com and i love it. you should check it out.
claire
October 18th, 2009 @ 3:56 pm

I wast just introduced to this blog via BYU Magazine. I’m enjoying the posts and the comments, especially about art and also creativity.

As far as art goes, I agree that “Mormon” art in general is far too “kitchy”. Sometimes I get frustrated with the idea that there are people out there who are creating a specific type of art simply because it sells to the mass mormon market. In other words, sacrificing true artistic excellence and sinking to a lower form of craft, simply to make money.

My husband is a designer and therefore has a great artistic eye. Over the years we have collected a variety of art which we display in our home. Some of it is expensive, original pieces. Others are prints. Others are “mormon” art–mostly Minerva Tiechert prints, which we love on so many levels. I do think that art is in the eye of the beholder. Display what you love, and what moves you–do not give another thought as to what your neighbor likes or has on their walls. If you feel your “taste” in art is too pedestrial, study art, and you will develop a different level of appreciation.