Another Rant on "Rules in Art" and the Artist's Duty to his/ her Work.
Asher, did some trials on Microsoft Image Composite Editor (well, it's free!) and must say I was quite impressed. Really need to look into this.
Another thing regarding your comment on my picture and things getting cut. Do you think that there might be some cases when this kind of effect could be used to add some rhytm to the picture? Especially when the subject depicts a recurring pattern, such as windows and doors in a building front? Do note: I'm not referring to my picture in this thread, please regard this as a general compositional question.
Jarmo,
We make comments and give reactions based on our own sense of esthetics and likely resonance with others who visit galleries. It is therefore constrained by our various upbringing, travels and education.
For my opinions, don't view them as what you should do, rather what one might also consider. Even if I was a professor of Art and at major college, (and I am no way qualified for that), I'd expect some advantage in going against any rules we might claim to be important.
Why?
Art must be subservient to the aims and mind of the artist. Poles behind a portrait can indeed go through the head, to the consternation of critics. One might choose to crop a portrait right though the eyes. These could be your decisions and clinch the composition. I'd hope they were well thought out and needed to express your ideas. As viewers, we can only see what you show us and vote with our interest, feet and/or pocket books, but that does nor mean any of us are "right". Here, you must take with a huge "pinch of salt" whatever critique you receive. Register the feedback, but then refer to your
own "controlling ideas". Debate this, but protect the sanctity of your own original intent.
If any of our ideas
happen to fit with your own and if there's some utility for you, then go ahead, apply them judiciously to your work. The idea is to externalize what's in
your minds eye. Of course, if what's in your mind is hardly formed or thought out, there may be a lot of room for further work.
My guess is that's where we are. If however you have in your mind a motif of disorder that requires half of a hand or cloud, then you must follow that and see, if, in the end, after you have exploited all that you know, the final image gives you the experience you imagine would be evoked. If it does, then your art is worthy. My opinion is then irrelevant as far as your art is concerned, as it has been born. I just have to catch up or walk by.
Asher
