The gallery where I show my paintings will be having a special exhibit in March. All of the proceeds will go to Haiti relief. So.... I set up this still life this morning and am thinking of painting from it for my donated piece. It would be called "Mourning News." But is it too frivolous looking? I think my point is that when these things happen, our lives are touched, but we continue on. I don't want to seem like "let them eat cake" or anything. It's just that this is often how we learn of things that happen to others; while we are safely enjoying our own fortunate lives.I thought of painting a picture of some of the Haitian children. But I also know what kind of art sells, and what someone would be willing to maybe spend money on and live with. I would like what I spend time on to profit the cause. Especially since artists cannot deduct a donation such as this. I could sell it, and donate the money myself, and that would be deductable. But when I donate a painting (or a tapestry) I can only deduct the cost of the materials. Of course, it's not about the tax credit either.
Golly, I'm thinking I sound pretty crass on this post! But my question that I need help on is this: would this still-life as a painting be insensitive, or would it fit the cause and possible sell? I don't want to waste my time or be insensitive.
ps. By the way, while I was posting this, Booker jumped up and got and ate the banana nut bread. He knew better, but just didn't care. BAD DOG! Good thing I took photos of the still-life.
8 comments:
Tough call....I do see what you are saying. How about just coffee and toast with the paper?
Then again, what do I know? (shrug)
Personally, I like it ... I think it gets across the thought that something like that just happens in the middle of your everyday life.
My thought when I first looked at it was that it portrays how the tragedy came into everyone's home, not just those who live there.
I like it, although I understand your concern.
For some reason, I wonder about removing the fork....making it more clear that it's a breakfast bread and not cake if you're worried about the literal jump to "let them eat cake". (Although composition-wise I like the fork in there!!)
It seems like a lot of creative groups are doing things to benefit Haiti....and not all of the pieces being sold have anything to do with the devastation there.
OK, I've rambled enough.....I know you'll come up with something beautiful, meaningful and appropriate! I look forward to seeing it.
Sue
I am not sure why it would be considered insensitve. I think it would be a great piece. It's more like a velvet glove then a sledge hammer recognizing the event. It is also something I would be more apt to buy because I could see the beauty of the art and live with it. Yet still remember the event. I have never beeen able to live with a large dose of horror everyday on my walls.If the idea is to have the money then it needs to be more saleable I would think. It reminds me of some of the lowland flemish paintings that i so love.
kathe
Thanks for all the great input! I'm thinking I might like the toast idea, Valerie. It would probably be easier to tell what it is, too. I'll set up another still-life in the morning, when there is coffee made and some good light, and will see if I like it better. I'll eat the toast before Booker gets it, too.
I think it's perfect. I am not sure if in art everyone wants to be smacked every day looking at a piece that
is literally tragic. I know I don't. I think the title is what makes this piece work admirably and only when you realize what's in the news ( like in real life) does the sadness of the piece come out.
I love the concept and quite honestly if I were in front of it I would choose it because of the message even more so than what was on the table. It may be helpful to make it more clear that it is breakfast - like you said going to toast. It is how the message comes to us, but is there anyway to show the mourning - i.e. a couple of tears on the newspaper - maybe cheesy - I was just wondering what the person was doing - was breakfast abandoned to turn on the TV? Were they so stunned with the news they cannot eat breakfast? Life goes on, but isn't there a moment where one stops to mourn?
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