I can not express the importance of blending in with your artwork. Matching handbags and boots are key to your success! Are you color coordinated? Wearing the best and latest labels?
In all seriousness, this could not be further from the truth… blending in or copying everyone else is NOT the way to go. To quote Fleetwood Mac (and to show my age): “You can go your own way, Go your own way, You can call it, Another lonely day, Go your own way “. Finding your own voice and creating your own style is essential, it may take a lifetime to do it, but what else are you going to do anyway?
I go to shows all the time and sometimes am amazed at artists that are almost directly copying other artists; either following the “style” of the day or copying masters. It makes me crazy, about 6 years ago everyone was pouring resin over their paintings and now there is an onslaught of the little monster, graffiti style art. Yes, imitation is the highest form of flattery, but I often wonder — aren’t they embarrassed by this sort of plagiarism? To anyone who has studied art history even a bit, these gaffes stick out like a sore thumb. It’s been over 20 years now, but in a print making class in college I thought I discovered this fabulous artist and pretty much directly copied it. It was a large linoleum block and took days just to create the plate. I showed the finished, beautifully pulled print that my classmates were in envy of, and showed it to my professor. “Ah, you like Jean Dubuffet…” she immediately said. My face gets red even now thinking of it.
It is wonderful to study the work of other artists that you love and it is natural to be influenced by them; one of my biggest influences is Squeak Carnwath. But start with being inspired by others and then create your own voice, your own work that uniquely reflects your thoughts and vision.
And get the boots, you’ll create better work just wearing them!
