Bella: Thoughts on Working Artists

Some things I really thought about after watching this Art 21 episode:

1. You have to make sure your works are just deep and personal enough to be relatable to the viewer. Making something too personal will remove its transferability to the audience. 
2. There's a difference between beautiful work, and impactful work that is beautiful because of it's impact.

I find art most appealing when its beauty stems from its purpose and message. I think this is something I try to channel in most of my art. I am constantly asking myself, "what's the message here? what do I want my audience to get? Will they pick up what I'm putting down?" I really struggle making art when it doesn't hold any heavier meaning than simply existing. If I can't come up with a reason for something to have been made, I usually forget about it. The only time I can complete something without meaning and feel some satisfaction is usually when it's a class assignment.

The quote that stuck with me from the episode is this: "Art is something that moves from your insides to the physical" - Kiki Smith

^^The important thing to note from this quote is that you want art to move from your insides into physicality just enough to be compelling. Do not accidentally remove any of your innards in this process (THAT is when your work becomes too personal).