Meet the Artist!!

       There are so many fantastic abstract artists of today. I recently came across exhibits of abstract painter Brad Bannister. Brad Bannister's work brings a breathe of fresh air with coaxing relaxation! At the same time his works are exciting and positively charged! I enjoyed Brad Bannister's work so much I had to learn more! A great starting place is his website http://abstractpainting-bannister.com. There one can learn about Brad and see more of his works. I also thought that such talent could offer so much to learning about art and art exploration for those who are new to art. I have  great pleasure in presenting here a recent interview with Brad Bannister!!!

1. Could you share a few words of wisdom
to those who are new to learning about art?

     People who are newly interested in art may
be attracted by many reasons.  Some people have
seen a movie or heard a lecture about art
that intrigues them.  This is a legitimate way
to become interested in art.  But, in my opinion
the best reason for - and way of discovering
art is in the realization by the viewer that
he or she has been powerfully impacted by
seeing a particular work of art.
     This reaction to the visual impact of
art is  much more important and sustaining
than an interest generated by hearing some
second hand opinion about the "importance"
or "meaning" of art works.  I am not saying
that viewers should not read or listen to
history or opinion on art - just that the visual
impact is much more important.
     People who are new to seeing art, especially
contemporary art, can be impressed or turned-off
by what they see, hear and read.  But any viewer
needs time and many viewing experiences to
gain knowledge, a context for art, and any
real personal taste.  In the beginning of this
learning about art, as in most fields, there
will be ideas and opinions built up by the
novice that will be constantly revised and
personalized.  If the viewer is discerning
and genuine in his or her own feelings about
a work of art, then the viewer will begin to
mature in their knowledge and taste.
     I don't think it serves any constructive
purpose for art educators or art experts to
declare that any work of art is the "best."
You could argue why Van Gogh is better that
Rembrandt or Warhol, but it serves little
purpose without an understanding of esthetics
or the politics of art history.
     One example that comes to my mind of a
question that novices often ask is:  "Why is
the Mona Lisa considered to be the greatest
work of art?"  This question may use words
like "best", "most famous", "most expensive", etc.
The answer to this question is all related to
factors of notoriety.  These
factors revolve around how much attention has
been given to a work or artist over years or
centuries and the "prestige" involved in
that attention.  So because the Louvre has the
painting displayed prominently and because
art history books refer to the Mona Lisa it
is famous. 
     Is the Mona Lisa interesting?
That is a very different question.  I
personally have no desire to see the Mona
Lisa in my house.  For me it is strictly a
historic reference point. But to historians it
is a wonderful artifact.  
        

2. What do you look for in a piece of art?

     Visual impact, engaging movements, colors and
textures that make me want to look at it from
near and far.  A piece of work that interests me
as a visual experience, that rewards my attention
and makes me feel good without boring me - that
is what I look for. If my perceptual interaction
with the work allows me to feel inspired, feel a
sense of mystery, feel elated or encouraged - or any
other good feelings I want to see that work often,
and to show it to others.  For me a work of art
should remind me that the world is wonderful - that
the world offers power, elegance, integrity,
balance, grace and completeness.  It should help
me feel and reflect on these same good things
that reside inside of me - whether by nature,
self or God.