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Support. I always thought it interesting that canvases, boards, and panels are called "supports” in art jargon. Using this term seems rather stilted, as if art needs to claim its place among serious disciplines.  Yet I cannot deny that the formal definition  of “support”… “a thing that bears the weight of something or keeps it upright”…does offer opportunity for thought.  

Recently I have considered the obvious physicality of supports. I have been doing my portraits on panels, rather than on stretched canvas.  I am particularly fond of a product that is so smooth that the resulting oil painting remains shiny after drying.  I am also pondering the less obvious philosophical aspects of art supports. For, without support, the painting would not exist.  This "support" gives aid and substance to the artistic product.  

Now, of course, “support” has other meanings, such as “assistance, approval, comfort, or encouragement,” etc.  You get it.  And, just as a painting requires support, so does the painter. Without the support of others, the painter could not carry on. I suppose that financial support first comes to mind. As important as monetary issues are, I will leave the topics of collectors, grants, commissions, and benefactors to others.  I am certainly not qualified to discuss economic viability. 

For me, the most interesting type of  support is that which artists receive from others…friends and fellow artists alike.  Our friends cheer us on, other artists provide feedback and stimulation. I think that without the encouragement of others, my artistic endeavors would wither. And this works both ways. Supporting other artists is simply nourishing.  We grow together. 

An unpleasant experience forced a decision.  I attended the recent meeting and art demonstration of my local art association.  In my mind an art association fosters opportunities for sharing, learning, and connecting.  I have been a member for several years and enjoyed watching art demos, running into art friends, and participating in the yearly show.   All of this will end. 

I was especially looking forward to the February meeting because the demonstrator is a friend of mine.  His friend attributes are those that also make an engaging demonstrator…humor, talent, insight, inspiration, confidence, and humility.  As usual, the demo was preceded by announcements by members and the president.  As the demo began, the president (to be) remained seated in front of the audience and to one side of the demonstrator who was on the stage.  The president had a microphone as did the demonstrator. Throughout the  demonstration the president asked the demonstrator a multitude of questions, provided continual commentary, and offered his unsolicited didactic insight.  He logged in more sound time than the demonstrator.  He was “on” and I was turned “off.”

Subsequently, I learned that others are also unhappy with the president’s ever presence. Although there are those who believe his big personality infuses new life into the organization, I believe grandstanding can only go so far. In my mind an art association or any organization loses vitality if it is dominated by one person. I think that the current direction of this group will eventually lead to a passive membership and / or attrition. Count me out.

Oh…my decision: If I want to see a one man show, I’ll go to the Music Center and see An Act of God.  I’ve heard it’s good.