After watching Laurie Anderson’s interview for our assignment this week, I wanted to listen to more artists talk about their inspirations and give advice. Shara Hughes’s lesson seemed to be similar to Laurie Anderson’s in that they both reached a point of realization after trying out everything. The courage that it takes to go on without an answer and to combine different genres and techniques altogether is what it takes to ultimately realize who you are as an artist. They both taught me how there is no need for an artist to be identified in one genre: labeling yourself often limits your chances and space for growth.
She also talks about how she thinks that “going to the edge and not giving away all the answers” is what makes a good painting. I also think that it is important to allow the viewers to see what they want for themselves, and to feel what they want for themselves. Although the artist often has a goal and message in mind when creating an artwork, I think that it is up to the viewers in what they get out of the final product. And the power that comes from reaching many people in different ways is what makes an artwork effective.
