by Anna Meenaghan
Art these days comes in many varieties. Personally I find all of them fascinating and greatly enjoy other peoples art. Even when you personally do not like the art you are viewing, that does not needlessly mean that you have no appreciation for the work that was involved.
Being a contemporary artist I realise that it gives you the creative license to express your inner emotions. On a bad day my paintings may appear more dramatic. But then I am also able to paint something that will soothe my spirit.
Art is a hugely individual subject. A piece of art that is highly acclaimed by one individual may certainly be loathed by another. But to my satisfaction these days there is such an enormous selection of art available that there truly has to be something for everyone. Take the Graffiti scene as an example. One person calls it vandalism and to another it is simply fantastic
Another great example are the various artist plying their skills in the Montmatre district of Paris. To everyones amazement the pavement artist sketch out their paintings on the floor or the art students who set up their easels in the street trying to make a little extra money by drawing caricatures. No doubt then that we are talking about talent here.
More unusual perhaps are sand sculptures which feature in the Canary Islands and I am sure other places. They range from biblical scenes to dragons with real fire breathing out of there nostrils. Mosaics too are very interesting and colourful as these designs can be used on plant pots, walls, gardens etc. and in oh so many ways.
Children are encouraged to create art on a great many occasions. Simply take posters for example. Kids enjoy the challenge to make impressive posters ranging from subjects such as recycling to road safety. And if you are really prepared to let your mind wander a little - What could a really talented individual do with driftwood collected from a beach?
Paperweights are an every day object which no one spends to much time thinking about. Yet they too can be wonderful subjects of art. When one takes a few collected pebbles, cleans, paints and varnishes them they certainly take on a life of their own. And of course the simple collecting of them, feeling the texture of the rock in your hand, provides great satisfaction to many of us.
Other things that are either getting very popular or making a strong resurgence are scrapbooking, felting, needlepoint and patch working. Or what about the great individual gift that are cards? Fantastic artists design and make their own cards in a great variety of ways. Getting enjoyment from creating their art and also from the knowledge that the recipient will greatly appreciate it.
I could go on to mention a great more forms of art, but surely there has to be something for everyone? And with the wonderful variety comes a great many workshops that are being run by local crafts stores or schools. The great joy art can bring to people can not be measured, be it by creating it or seeing it. And it also lets you make a whole bunch of new friends along the way. So what are you waiting for? Go on and get involved!…
About the Author:
The author of this article is Anna Meenaghan, a
contemporary artist who a short while ago launched a new website that aims to become an interactive art community for artists and art enthusiasts alike. As a
contemporary painter Anna is of the believe that art must not just be seen, but also talked about.
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