Fine Lines

I’ve been looking at a lot of art lately. By a lot, I mean dozens of artists. I’ve been finding one I like, going on social media, and following the suggestions, mostly steering towards modern surrealism. I've looked at Greg Simkins, David Choe, Audrey Kawasaki, Mark Ryden, and more. I’ve really been into James Jean. I’ve also searched the MFA and MET gallery exhibitions to see who they’re displaying. William Wegman was one name that surprised me. What? Really? That’s the guy who does all the dog portraits, with weimaraners. But he’s an artist now? I thought he was just selling calendars. Oh no, he’s currently on exhibit at the MET!

My taste in art is so off. Whose isn’t? The whole art-and-money thing is such a crap shoot. Jean is selling another limited-release print soon. Should I buy it? It’s a whopping $200. But that could double in value in a year, I suppose. Or should I buy Wegman? He’s already in the MET, and you can buy a print for $120 on 20x200.com. The sad fact is, I’d rather not display either of their available prints in my home. There’s something in each that’s a bit odd. Jean is too stoner, and Wegman is too playful. So, is something I like better that something with value? I can’t decide. If other people like it, it must be good… right? We’ve heard that one since birth.

That's Wegman

That's Jean

In other thoughts, I’m still tossing around Sci-Fi novel ideas. I have this theme of “Aliens are just people from the future.” It’s silly and stupid, but the concept haunts me. And again, with writing, we’re mixing art and money. Some of the dumbest ideas out there are wildly successful.

Is that what I’m after? Success? Cold hard cash? Of course. All those people that say “follow your heart,” and, “don’t write to sell,” are all full of shit. Everybody would love to make a career out of their favorite hobby. Don’t lie. But the question seems to be, are my ideas weird enough to be consumed by the masses? And there’s a fine line between odd and awful.