I love this, and I love reading about artists who express their true selves unapologetically. I love that prankster in Banksy. This is what your substack does for me - uplifts, inspires, generates happiness in me that I do art just for the hell of it. As always, thanks for inviting us to think and ponder about some things like 'value' - and what wealth is besides only money and physical assets. When I create or make anything, the only question I have is if it has value for me; do I love what I'm doing - the process and where it leads me? If someone wants it, all the better - but I don't do it for them, or even the 'finish.' I do it for me - to know and become more myself. I have to do it for love. I can't transmit what I haven't got.
The monetary value of art is so arbitrary but that doesn't mean there's no inherent value of the art to certain groups of people. Does a billionaire who spends twenty million for a piece of art/ status symbol , suggest in any way that that art is of exceptional value. To one person here in Wisconsin, the generic value of art is considerably more linked to the degree to which it inspires, challenges or changes our perspective than a big price tag that an art collector can easily cough up.
I think a good measure of "VALUE" is ... "what they want."
(If they don't want it ... well, then it doesn't have much value.)
I think a good measure of "higher value" is that they not only are willing to "buy" something ... but they are willing to buy the same thing again in the future!
My favorite Banksy is the judo throw in Ukraine:
https://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-64774717
Oh, that's a great one!
I love this, and I love reading about artists who express their true selves unapologetically. I love that prankster in Banksy. This is what your substack does for me - uplifts, inspires, generates happiness in me that I do art just for the hell of it. As always, thanks for inviting us to think and ponder about some things like 'value' - and what wealth is besides only money and physical assets. When I create or make anything, the only question I have is if it has value for me; do I love what I'm doing - the process and where it leads me? If someone wants it, all the better - but I don't do it for them, or even the 'finish.' I do it for me - to know and become more myself. I have to do it for love. I can't transmit what I haven't got.
BB ... so true and thank you for your lovely words! I think Banksy would have had fun even if he had never become "Banksy."
Thanks Joyce for the thought-provoking piece.
The monetary value of art is so arbitrary but that doesn't mean there's no inherent value of the art to certain groups of people. Does a billionaire who spends twenty million for a piece of art/ status symbol , suggest in any way that that art is of exceptional value. To one person here in Wisconsin, the generic value of art is considerably more linked to the degree to which it inspires, challenges or changes our perspective than a big price tag that an art collector can easily cough up.
I have a Banksy print over my desk and I love everything about this essay!
I think a good measure of "VALUE" is ... "what they want."
(If they don't want it ... well, then it doesn't have much value.)
I think a good measure of "higher value" is that they not only are willing to "buy" something ... but they are willing to buy the same thing again in the future!
hughbishop@gmail.com
I agree ... however, it has to be a value aligned with your skills, talents and purpose.