Wednesday, September 29, 2010

Demetrios Papakostas: My Open Studio Weekend

Demetrios Papakostas: My Open Studio Weekend: "This past weekend I hosted an open studio at my studio. I like opening my studio doors and having visitors drop by to see what I am up to e..."

My Open Studio Weekend


This past weekend I hosted an open studio at my studio. I like opening my studio doors and having visitors drop by to see what I am up to every 6 to 8 months. It gives me a chance to see how people might react to my artwork and spend some time with friends and acquaintances. It also gives me a chance to give my studio a good cleaning, price my artwork, and put things in order.
Although it was not about making sales this weekend (couldn't hurt)it was about building relationships with future clients and making everlasting connections. What I also really liked, was explaining my artwork to people who have never been exposed to art or even really gave art a second thought or you might say, a second look. It is hard to believe but some people just do not have any inclination for art. Some would not know where to start when considering buying original art. At least some are open to the idea of having original art in their possession if not now, then maybe in the near future.
I had a great day with a group of gentlemen that literally sat down and let me show and explain different artwork, from abstract to figurative to them. It was great seeing their reactions as I pulled out piece after piece of artwork some from the beginning of my career and others just recently completed. Each piece got a different reaction, some good ones, some not so much but most importantly, it got me talking about my art and got to explain what I wanted each piece to convey. Overall the experience was a great one and it was a great way to meet new people and enjoy good company. A successful weekend in my book. I thank everyone for dropping by and I think I might just inspired a group of future art collectors to take the next step.

Thursday, September 16, 2010

Painting as others before you.


Recently, someone commented that some of my artwork has been compared to a famous artists work. Although there maybe some influence of this painter in my work, the similarities are only a few.

This got me to thinking about; How do we see our work and is it as others see it? When we look at art, do we search for the famous artist version of what we see. You might hear people commenting about how this looks like a Picasso or a Rothko. Do they intentionally seek to find another artist in our work.

I think we can't help but be influenced by the artists we find interesting and unique. We can't help but try to imulate them in some way.

I have always tried to forge my own way as far as my artwork goes and don't think I've ever tried to copy someone directly and intentionally. But what if all people see is another artist in your work, what are you to do? Is it okay to be compared. Maybe it's just meant as a compliment to you or for them to try and connect more to you and your art.

For myself, maybe painting as others did before me, is part of a growing, learning process. Sort of learning through them. It's just a road to discovering yourself and your art and about what you want to say.

I know the painters that have influenced me, have made me open up and sort of given me their permission to paint and think more seriously and more aware of what to look for as I work and grow. For now, if my work does seem similar to another artists, I think it's a positive thing, that is, until I can truly find my own unique way.