“If we proceed to create an image it might be clumsy, or it may be impressive, but in the final analysis, is it art?” - Bob Kuhn
I wanted to introduce our readers to the work and thoughts of a very inspirational painter by the name of Bob Kuhn. He has been called a “peerless wildlife artist”. I recently found his work in the February 2008 issue of “Sporting Classics” magazine that Bruce could not resist bringing home from the bookstore. The article entitled “Simply the Best” shows some of his breathtakingly beautiful paintings and pays him homage since his passing away last year. I think his paintings are truly stunning and I thought a review of his thoughts on what makes “artful” work might prove insightful to us all.
The question is: What makes a work of art? This is a question I repeatedly find myself pondering… I know, I know, I have gone here before. (But I will always ask myself this question.)
Anyway, here is Bob’s answer:
“ I think you can wield a paintbrush for a lifetime without producing an artful thing. On the other hand you can build a wall or sing a song or decorate a room or take a photograph - do any of these things and more, and, if you function in a highly personal way that strikes a chord in others and reveals truth in a new way, you will be producing art.” –Bob Kuhn.
So, let’s look at what Bob is saying. It’s not the “means” for the expression… the artfulness comes from the “a connection” - “revealing a truth in a new way”…or… by striking a pose… no, no I mean striking a chord!
