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"What sort of artist, are you?" asked the landscape painter. I paused. I always pause. "I'm an erotic artist" I said. And waited. "An erratic artist?" he queried. "No", I said, with a smile "EROTIC artist". He paused. I waited. And smiled inwardly. "Oh" he said. And I told him about my website. Five hours later.......... he asked for my website address...... and kissed me on the cheek!
Why does it amuse me? Why do I pause? I suppose I'm still slightly surprised by the reaction I get when I say it. And amused. Greatly amused. That just a couple of words can stop people in their tracks. I suppose when an artist asks a fellow artist what sort of painting they do, they expect the typical answer of "landscapes in watercolours" or "portraits in oils" or "pastel" or "flowers". And I don't give the typical answer.
Someone rang me last week, wanting a landscape in watercolour, so we discussed it in depth, and agreed a price. She asked if there was anywhere where she could view my work, and I paused. And said "I've got a website with a good example of my work on it" "Oh lovely" she said "I'll have a look and come back to you". I felt I had to warn her "Don't look at the figure drawings if you're easily upset" I said. She questioned me. I repeated it. When we hung up I was convinced I'd lost the sale. Later on she rang me and said "I've looked at your figure drawings, and yes, that commission for the landscape is fine, go ahead with it!"
So, why am I expecting a problem? Do I think that intelligent adults can't make an informed decision about my work without getting upset? Why am I expecting that people who like landscapes will find my erotic drawings offensive? I suppose its because people happily have landscapes on their wall but don't always openly discuss their interest in sex. I know that I can paint a good landscape, or any other subject matter, and do it efficiently, capably and appealingly. So I'll continue to paint anything that anyone is interested in - trees, hedges, fields, hills, bushes, breasts, buttocks, sex!
Why does it amuse me? Why do I pause? I suppose I'm still slightly surprised by the reaction I get when I say it. And amused. Greatly amused. That just a couple of words can stop people in their tracks. I suppose when an artist asks a fellow artist what sort of painting they do, they expect the typical answer of "landscapes in watercolours" or "portraits in oils" or "pastel" or "flowers". And I don't give the typical answer.
Someone rang me last week, wanting a landscape in watercolour, so we discussed it in depth, and agreed a price. She asked if there was anywhere where she could view my work, and I paused. And said "I've got a website with a good example of my work on it" "Oh lovely" she said "I'll have a look and come back to you". I felt I had to warn her "Don't look at the figure drawings if you're easily upset" I said. She questioned me. I repeated it. When we hung up I was convinced I'd lost the sale. Later on she rang me and said "I've looked at your figure drawings, and yes, that commission for the landscape is fine, go ahead with it!"
So, why am I expecting a problem? Do I think that intelligent adults can't make an informed decision about my work without getting upset? Why am I expecting that people who like landscapes will find my erotic drawings offensive? I suppose its because people happily have landscapes on their wall but don't always openly discuss their interest in sex. I know that I can paint a good landscape, or any other subject matter, and do it efficiently, capably and appealingly. So I'll continue to paint anything that anyone is interested in - trees, hedges, fields, hills, bushes, breasts, buttocks, sex!
6 comments:
Jackie - I don't think you need to worry about this. Describing yourself as an erotic artist will certainly capture people's attention. One or two may take offence but that's a small price to pay, and you will never please everyone. As far as your website gallery is concerned, I don't think anyone would take offence. There is nothing pornographic (although you have not yet uploaded my images but maybe it's just a matter of time). People may not wish to purchase an erotic image or hang one on their wall, but I think most people would be happy to view your work in a gallery.
I find nothing offensive on your site
I am a new fan of your work
Society's collective schizophrenia about sex oozes out in yet another dimension . . .
Why should someone find pictures of adults displaying their bodies or having sex offensive? Other than being inappropriate for children, there is no reason. Sex is just as natural as any landscape, and there's no reason why people can't enjoy and celebrate both. As your new client seems to have concluded!
Hornymaleuk - yes, I've had far more interest in my art from EVERYONE in my life since I labelled myself an Erotic Artist!And more positive feed-back, too!
Hank - I don't think there's anything offensive on my website either. It's good to know you like what I do!
Cherrie - Ironically, it turned out that she'd got some delightful erotic drawings on her bedroom wall, which she showed me when I went to see her!
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