A conversation I had on Facebook.

I thought I would publish it and then write some thoughts at the bottom.

J is a Gallery owner, B is an Artist.

J.  What's good art versus bad art ?

Mark.    Mediocrity -v- cutting edge, in my opinion.

J.  Mark your definition of cutting edge ?

Mark.  New, different, extraordinary, unloved by the art public in general because it is new, different and extraordinary and has not been done before, in my opinion.

J. And your definition of bad art ?

Mark. The opposite to what I think is good art.

B.  Mark, love your definitions! I guess an artist who makes different and extraordinary art must learn to sell it! I am a big fan of one local contemporary artist- although I'm not really interested in doing her kind of art . I think we have to forge our own- viva la difference!

Mark.. Agree Barbara, we must all walk our own unique road. tc.

Friends, Art is so subjective and we all like different things and different styles so what I think is good Art others may not think so and what I

think is bad Art others may believe is good, so I wanted to make my point and clarify that it was my opinion only.

I am always over joyed when people decide to paint and do it because they love to do so, painting is a wonderful pastime and more should do it and experience the true joy of creating our own personal Art work.

My opinion only comes into play when Artists enter the Art market and put prices on their work, then as someone who sells Art I will pick and choose what I think is best for my Gallery.

If you never want to sell your work and give it away, I will rejoice with you and encourage you to continue to paint for the pure love of painting and the happiness it brings when you give your Art away to grateful friends and family.

So what kind of Art do I personally like?

As I said, “New, different, extraordinary, unloved by the art public in general because it is new, different and extraordinary and has not been done before.”

Why do I like it?

Because I see the courage it takes to break out from the pack and be different, to be prepared to deal with the fear of rejection and isolation.

To walk against the establishment, to produce the work you believe in, knowing full well that it will not be accepted but dismissed without thought and often malice.

I admire these brave women and men who so believe in the honesty of their work that they are prepared to literately starve to produce it.

Unfortunately there are starving Artists out there because they choose to be trailblazers not map followers, the believe in their Art totally.

I admire the dedicated Artist, the true creative soul, who approaches the canvas with honesty and vision and produces stunning, breathtaking work, because they can.