Ramblings...#4
by Timothy B. Anderson


I had an interesting thing happen to me last weekend. A friend of mine was having a one-day art show of her work. It was a five-hour show, and the turnout was exceptional, beyond her expectations, and she sold quite a few pieces. At one point in the show, I passed a woman in the hallway who was looking at three specific pieces. I guess she assumed I was part of the show when she asked, “Did the same artist do these pictures as those in the other room?” I told her she did. She then proceeded to tell me that these three were the only ones that resembled art, and that the others were mere trash.

At that point, I must say, my protectionism as well as my sense of righteousness began to flare. I just suggested that her remarks were only her opinion, and then offered the fact that more than a dozen people had already found what they liked and bought something.

“They obviously don’t know what good art is,” she said. Again, I reiterated that what she had offered was only her opinion. She then proceeded to inform me that I had no idea what her credentials were. Now, she really had me going as I told her it didn’t matter what her credentials were. “Obviously, this is what the problem is with Albuquerque,” she said, and proceeded to walk out the door, but not before she went to the guest book and scribbled out her name.

For those of you who are beginning to enter the fabled and somewhat confusing, and even consuming world of art, take heart. The person above is an isolated case of someone who thinks their “credentials” outweigh the quality of any particular work of art. As I had alluded to above, whatever a critic has to say about a piece of work is just that: only their opinion, based on what they have learned, seen or felt.  

In my experience as a national photographic portfolio reviewer, the first thing I do when someone sits across from my table is to tell them how much I appreciate their effort in being at that particular event, whether it be in New York, Portland (Oregon), San Francisco, Los Angeles, or Santa Fe. As a critic and reviewer, I don’t believe it is my job to whittle away at someone’s soul for the gratification of my own inflated ego. I am there to educate and enable the artist to grow, based on what I know and have experienced in the area of photography.

You have chosen to pursue your art, and as such, you have decided to do what you can to further that art. If you happen to come across a critic or reviewer who begins to “slice and dice” your work, listen patiently, thank him or her for their time, and go to the next table. Remember, there is a reason you are there and do your best to figure out why. In most cases at a review, you have the opportunity to choose your reviewer. Do your research, choose wisely, have a great time, share your work with other photographers, and don’t waste your time… it has cost you too much.  

That’s enough rambling for now, readers, and I hope you have a great weekend. P.S. don’t forget to donate. Remember, for donations of $25 or more, I will send you an 8x10 of Red Dog, himself.