Studio8 - Uniting the Arts

This is a response that I received from a submission I made to a local gallery:

info@sole-gallery.com wrote:
> Good Morning Kurt,
>
> I took the time to go your web site and make a careful review of your
> work. I too am a self taught painter. I think that you are at the same stage
> that I was about 5 years ago. You have a lot of talent and a strong desire
> to succeed as an artist. These are the two most important elements, however
> you have not found yourself in terms of originality. Originality in terms of
> technique, style or perspective and if you get really lucky all three at
> once. Two pieces stood out visually, Zen series, Liberation and Gaspesie
> River 3. I encourage you to find yourself, Art in America and Art News are
> two publications that have help me understand where I sit compared to other
> artists. It is Ok to be similar to other artists , since the web its hard to
> keep any world altering art style a secret. Therefore I suggest that you
> find a medium or style that is original and suits your personality. Do not
> follow trends, but leave room for your style to adapt to change. You
> mentioned in your bio that change is important and yes I agree but you will
> need to develop an original body of work before you branch out. Right now
> your work is all over the place.
> I may ask you for a few pieces as a group show , down the road, Please feel
> free to drop by the gallery anytime, And please submit your portfolio on a
> regular basis with your current work. I am always looking for talent not
> bio's. I am committed to developing talent.
>
> Best Regards
> Bernard Macnab / Curator / CEO
> Leyla Salehoun
> (H) 416 -486 -0585
> (C) 647 -282 -4232


This is my response:


> Dear Mr. Macnab

> Thank you for the most insightful response. However I must refute. Style as I have expressed in my bio is a trap of limitations. As you probably gathered I tend to work on a series of pieces each with their own technique, media, approach, and reason. It has been with great conscious attempt that I have approached each series in a different manner. They are after all completely different expressions of forever changing human phenomenon . Originality as you put it, I believe to exist in diversity and constant change,not in a singular style. I am not the same person I was a week ago.Originality, also exists in taking hard learned lessons from other artists and making it your own. I know that art dealers and gallery owners are confounded by this thinking, but I insist on the originality of many births and deaths within each life time, and that death itself is only another change.
>

Sincerely

Kurt Rostek

I agree with your assessment of true originality, Kurt.

I have encountered the request: "Yeah. We like it-- but do you have thirty others of the same subject, size and medium?" many, many times from gallery owners.

Better luck with someone who understands your very tenable description of "original."

Your art co-conspirator,

Zlatko

One of the great talents you have, Kurt, is in your multiple styles. Your work in various series is obvious.

I didn't like the way Mr. Macnab complimented himself by telling you you were 5 years behind him. I don't think that's very professional.

Though I do understand that he was trying to encourage you to stick to one style because this is what sells and I think that could be a valid point, I much more admire artists whose talents incorporate multiple styles.

Many reknowned artists are adept at multiple styles. That's one of the things that makes them great...their versatility in style and medium.

considering his patronizing attitude, it's a wonder you managed to answer him with such authentic dignity.

Him: Sir, we want a cookie cutter artist (implied "like me")
You: that i ain't.

live and learn and smile and breathe.
(thanks for showing me that not always must one answer such tunnel visioned possessors of power with descriptions of what items might be stuck in areas where the sun don't shine.)

Don't compromise for him or for anyone!!!!
_________________
Mercedes Benz C112

I think that you are at the same stage
> that I was about 5 years ago. You have a lot of talent and a strong desire
> to succeed as an artist. These are the two most important elements, however
> you have not found yourself in terms of originality. Originality in terms of
> technique, style or perspective and if you get really lucky all three at
> once.

jesus he ain't got a clue
he is way too linear, had not vaulted out of that kind of thinking.
keep doing it and show him. maybe he will have a catlyist experience some day, a flashback to Liberation.

your non-linear response is what was needed in this situation, and you did not reject him.
ps you are at the same stage i was in five parallell universes whenever in the eternal now, , whatever, hope i ain't up-staged ya enuh?