Thank you, wow, this was great. There is a lot of homogenizing and manipulation with the commercial side of art. The Culture Industry higher end art market: university - gallery - museum system wants a predictable product - a "branded artist"- more than a creative person. I've been thinking this past year how a lot of artists with enviable professional careers aren't really creative; they just do the same thing over and over.
Also, doing the same thing over and over risks nothing; it is simply manufacturing. At least your school seemed to have been teaching skills. It seems higher levels of education are teaching theory only, no one can make anything, neither teacher or student. I kept noticing a lack of skills in my instructors. They did not show me their work because they had nothing to show, nothing within some years, or very little work that was very basic.
One cannot deny that there is a level of skill amongst artist that is vastly different. I truly think MIchael Angelo would be appalled at the state of art today - well at least quite a lot of it. People like Robert Bateman for instance, have a skill level to be admired. Years of understanding how to blend colors, sketching, and just developing a talent that is quite frankly obvious. For me, it's very telling when one looks at modern sculptures. So many of them are just rubbish. Just my opinion.
No, we definitely don't need a degree, and if we have one, there's a LOT to unlearn. I've been asked about this a lot. I still think there's a level of familiarity w materials that you don't get anywhere else. But that's how I feel today:-)
Thank you for this video, Gary. It was very uplifting. As an artist, I've faced rejection from craft fairs. It does get discouraging after a while. But at the end of the day, it doesn't really matter what the naysayers think, because they're not the ones who poured their heart and soul into your creations.
Thanks, this was actually really helpful and inspiring. I was going to one of the most expensive schools in the country (USC) and decided to take a year off after the first year, so this past year I've been working and hoping to go back... but in the past few months I've realized that going to that expensive school would be a bad idea, and that the best idea is to take the time to discover my own potential before getting plugged into society and getting the creativity knocked out of me
I went to art school but it really never served any purpose. Everything I've done for the most part creatively I've learned on my own. When going to school I wanted to give it up so many times due to not wanting to go in the direction the prof. wanted. It was a fight to the bitter end and it's something I don't recommend if you have a direction you want to take and don't want to muddy it up with cookie cutter rules.
thanks for this video, i am currently studying art and design and imnot doing that well. i mean i love art and i do think i am good at it, and have been told i am. but i do unwell at college because i cant do art in a standardised way, if someone tell me what to do, i cant do it, because i do not enjoy it. because of this i thought ill never get to be an artist when i grow up, but this has given me hope, THANKYOU
I was thinking about studying art in the future, not sure about what course etc.. but I think online classes might be the best way for me to go, thanks for your insight Gary. I do feel less worthy compared to an Art educated artist sometimes, although I wouldnt admit that to most people, I'd just say 'you don't have to have a degree to be an artist' BUT..do I really believe that? sometimes, lol. I'm my own worst enemy, it's a confidence thing I guess. Great to hear what you had to say hun xx
Your so right Gary, no degree can bless you with a God given talent you was already born with. Your gifted Gary, we the people buy your work and would never ask you for your qualification certificate. If it makes us smile, fills our hearts, then that's your pathway to being in our life's, I would say your definitely on the right path Gary. Take care love Margaret x x
Gary, you never fail to inspire me. What a gift you have! Not only to be so talented and creative yourself, but to be able to inspire other people's creativity as well.
The computer is going off, and I am painting this afternoon. Thanks.
my teachers have always taught me the best part about attending a university for art is the connections you make with colleagues and professors, the techniques and ideas learned are almost the bi product. Nice thoughts!
I think you are not just one of my favorite artists you are a great teacher. You inspire and i hope to be a good of an artist like you. And to tell you the truth i was studying art as a major but i recently changed to graphic design to please my mom. You know to pay my bills. But other then that i dream to be a painter anyway.
Gary, you are most creative and so inspiring to me and so many others.
It really makes me sad and sick to hear the comments about artists getting "kicked" by galleries. Bravo for a great video, your words and a beautiful piece. I love Jay's rendition of MJ's "man in the mirror"..
One of your absolute best! I really love your instructional videos but when you talk to us..to me..in videos like this, it makes me think about art and my relationship with it and life, really. It is a very good thing.
great chat so true...just a great reminder that art t brings love that is what we do.....we bring love to the canvas and some people can't see love it was staring at them in the face....love is the 1st thing an artist brings to the table and from there it grows into a masterpiece...if any thing do art for the love of it and for the love of your self. Keep up the great work.
So very true. The thing is sometimes you can't get your foot in "the door" unless you have that kind of credibility and it stinks for people that have real talent and creativity.
I know I won't be going to any form of art school but I will continue doing what I love no matter how bad I am-it's for me and only me.
You're always an inspiration, Gary. I agree with what you've said here. In so many ways, jumping through the hoops required for a degree just knocks the creative stuffing right out of you. The same holds true for MFAs in Creative Writing. All of the writers coming out of these programs sound alike. They lose their voices entirely. Hugs :-)
A friend went into a local art gallery and asked about placing some work there. The woman looked down her nose at her and said we only display work by real artists not housewives painting in thier back bedroom.
Anyway went to have a look at this gallery and it was crap with a capital 'C'.
There is a very cool gallery here but everyone seemed so snobby when I went that I refused to buy a single piece of art there. I love artists like you, kind and generous, down to earth and REAL.
I was with a friend at a local gallery when she inquired about placing her work there. The proprietor dissed her with a remark that her work wasn't good enough when she hadn't even seen any of it! Geez!
Thank you, wow, this was great. There is a lot of homogenizing and manipulation with the commercial side of art. The Culture Industry higher end art market: university - gallery - museum system wants a predictable product - a "branded artist"- more than a creative person. I've been thinking this past year how a lot of artists with enviable professional careers aren't really creative; they just do the same thing over and over.
ARTG33K74 1 week ago
Also, doing the same thing over and over risks nothing; it is simply manufacturing. At least your school seemed to have been teaching skills. It seems higher levels of education are teaching theory only, no one can make anything, neither teacher or student. I kept noticing a lack of skills in my instructors. They did not show me their work because they had nothing to show, nothing within some years, or very little work that was very basic.
ARTG33K74 1 week ago
One cannot deny that there is a level of skill amongst artist that is vastly different. I truly think MIchael Angelo would be appalled at the state of art today - well at least quite a lot of it. People like Robert Bateman for instance, have a skill level to be admired. Years of understanding how to blend colors, sketching, and just developing a talent that is quite frankly obvious. For me, it's very telling when one looks at modern sculptures. So many of them are just rubbish. Just my opinion.
schmopykins 4 months ago
Very good speech dude
The exact reasons why I refuse to go to art school
I think ill pass on putting myself into debt and surrounding myself with pretentious d-bags
RyanDemaree 4 months ago
No, we definitely don't need a degree, and if we have one, there's a LOT to unlearn. I've been asked about this a lot. I still think there's a level of familiarity w materials that you don't get anywhere else. But that's how I feel today:-)
1100bunz 1 year ago
Thank you for this video, Gary. It was very uplifting. As an artist, I've faced rejection from craft fairs. It does get discouraging after a while. But at the end of the day, it doesn't really matter what the naysayers think, because they're not the ones who poured their heart and soul into your creations.
ljcowner 1 year ago
Thank you for sharing........
lizdena 1 year ago
GARY! Who does that remake of Man in The Mirror?!?! I LOVES it!
MtnAnSith 1 year ago
thanks man very motivational for a beginning artist
skullyboy44 2 years ago
Thanks, this was actually really helpful and inspiring. I was going to one of the most expensive schools in the country (USC) and decided to take a year off after the first year, so this past year I've been working and hoping to go back... but in the past few months I've realized that going to that expensive school would be a bad idea, and that the best idea is to take the time to discover my own potential before getting plugged into society and getting the creativity knocked out of me
bluebaboon29 2 years ago
Great video. Very generous sharing of your own personal story to help inspire and motivate others.
STEVENLEE011 2 years ago 2
I went to art school but it really never served any purpose. Everything I've done for the most part creatively I've learned on my own. When going to school I wanted to give it up so many times due to not wanting to go in the direction the prof. wanted. It was a fight to the bitter end and it's something I don't recommend if you have a direction you want to take and don't want to muddy it up with cookie cutter rules.
mmbbmike 2 years ago
thanks for this video, i am currently studying art and design and imnot doing that well. i mean i love art and i do think i am good at it, and have been told i am. but i do unwell at college because i cant do art in a standardised way, if someone tell me what to do, i cant do it, because i do not enjoy it. because of this i thought ill never get to be an artist when i grow up, but this has given me hope, THANKYOU
j8key08 2 years ago
I was thinking about studying art in the future, not sure about what course etc.. but I think online classes might be the best way for me to go, thanks for your insight Gary. I do feel less worthy compared to an Art educated artist sometimes, although I wouldnt admit that to most people, I'd just say 'you don't have to have a degree to be an artist' BUT..do I really believe that? sometimes, lol. I'm my own worst enemy, it's a confidence thing I guess. Great to hear what you had to say hun xx
sweetisobella 2 years ago
Thank you for your nice words and your position. I am so happy to hear that what I ever want to hear about. I also share your opinion....
Have a great day!
AaronVinn 2 years ago
Thank you Gary :)
marilian31 2 years ago
well said ! university killed my creativity !
bibinca 2 years ago 2
Well said.
jenni328scraps 2 years ago
Yup Yup!! Thus why I have titled my own Gallery as my own. LOL Loved your input on this as well as the others!!
LAArtGallery 2 years ago
All of this is true.
TheBonnieRose 2 years ago
Your so right Gary, no degree can bless you with a God given talent you was already born with. Your gifted Gary, we the people buy your work and would never ask you for your qualification certificate. If it makes us smile, fills our hearts, then that's your pathway to being in our life's, I would say your definitely on the right path Gary. Take care love Margaret x x
NunaFeedTheDucks 2 years ago
Gary, you never fail to inspire me. What a gift you have! Not only to be so talented and creative yourself, but to be able to inspire other people's creativity as well.
The computer is going off, and I am painting this afternoon. Thanks.
Evangeline1974 2 years ago
I love art and I am subscribed to you because not only do I learn from your art, I get to hear what you think. LOVE, LOVE, LOVE!
1Sunrose 2 years ago
thank god for gary reef
pjscadd 2 years ago
He he ;)
I rather like to thank Gary for sharing his journey
carlavandenberg 2 years ago
THIS VIDEO IS EXCELLENT!!!
kaleidoscope222 2 years ago
I am a recent subscriber. I love your work. Your are beautiful. Thank you for the inspiration.
scrapcard 2 years ago
my teachers have always taught me the best part about attending a university for art is the connections you make with colleagues and professors, the techniques and ideas learned are almost the bi product. Nice thoughts!
Zach3066 2 years ago 2
Thanks for sharing Gary.
rizzin2thetop 2 years ago 2
You ARE an artist and a GREAT one and you teach and inspire others!
redihpeach 2 years ago 2
I think you are not just one of my favorite artists you are a great teacher. You inspire and i hope to be a good of an artist like you. And to tell you the truth i was studying art as a major but i recently changed to graphic design to please my mom. You know to pay my bills. But other then that i dream to be a painter anyway.
chivaleader89 2 years ago 2
Gary, you are most creative and so inspiring to me and so many others.
It really makes me sad and sick to hear the comments about artists getting "kicked" by galleries. Bravo for a great video, your words and a beautiful piece. I love Jay's rendition of MJ's "man in the mirror"..
judysheart 2 years ago 2
One of your absolute best! I really love your instructional videos but when you talk to us..to me..in videos like this, it makes me think about art and my relationship with it and life, really. It is a very good thing.
artsycalgal 2 years ago 2
great chat so true...just a great reminder that art t brings love that is what we do.....we bring love to the canvas and some people can't see love it was staring at them in the face....love is the 1st thing an artist brings to the table and from there it grows into a masterpiece...if any thing do art for the love of it and for the love of your self. Keep up the great work.
charlenerice 2 years ago 2
Well said Gary,...........
MyArtSongs 2 years ago 2
So very true. The thing is sometimes you can't get your foot in "the door" unless you have that kind of credibility and it stinks for people that have real talent and creativity.
I know I won't be going to any form of art school but I will continue doing what I love no matter how bad I am-it's for me and only me.
Thanks for this and thanks for being you.
Such an inspiration.
Have a good Sunday.
sandritaeaaaaa 2 years ago 2
You're always an inspiration, Gary. I agree with what you've said here. In so many ways, jumping through the hoops required for a degree just knocks the creative stuffing right out of you. The same holds true for MFAs in Creative Writing. All of the writers coming out of these programs sound alike. They lose their voices entirely. Hugs :-)
Neferkit 2 years ago 2
A friend went into a local art gallery and asked about placing some work there. The woman looked down her nose at her and said we only display work by real artists not housewives painting in thier back bedroom.
Anyway went to have a look at this gallery and it was crap with a capital 'C'.
My friends work was too good for it anyway.
mogodbeer 2 years ago 3
LOL yes there are a lot of wannabe galleries out there! we need to begin to compile a list of rude galleries so artists can avoid them!
CapricornArtist73 2 years ago
Youre a beautiful spirit Gary Reef.
God did us all a favor when he brought us you!
And I thank you for this,
you are an inspiration!
...Im goin to go paint now :)
AmandaDelight 2 years ago 2
Awwh thanks Ms delightful...im so glad i have you around too Love your vids
CapricornArtist73 2 years ago
Will this be on your etsy? You make it look so easy. You are my teacher! xxx
lpatencio 2 years ago 2
Sure will! It is easy Patencio he he well most of the time ;)
CapricornArtist73 2 years ago
The stenciling looks like fun!
jantheempress 2 years ago 3
Hey Jan, Stenciling is so much fun! You can build up alot of interest quickly and the good thing is you can use it over and over again!
CapricornArtist73 2 years ago
very nice...
Lorrierks 2 years ago 2
There is a very cool gallery here but everyone seemed so snobby when I went that I refused to buy a single piece of art there. I love artists like you, kind and generous, down to earth and REAL.
daligoddess2006 2 years ago 2
I was with a friend at a local gallery when she inquired about placing her work there. The proprietor dissed her with a remark that her work wasn't good enough when she hadn't even seen any of it! Geez!
jantheempress 2 years ago 2
Thanks Kimbo! Some galleries need a wake up call!
CapricornArtist73 2 years ago