Bad Art

[bewitched]

Most of the "art" is found in trash bins, The Salvation Army, etc. and/or "donated" by the artist. When the artist (or former owner of the piece) is known, they seem to be amused and pleased. (One piece, Mary Todd Lincoln was donated by the artist after the friend to whom it was originally gifted returned the painting. Upon hearing of MOBA and its resolve to provide a home for spectacular and unwanted pieces of art, he was thrilled. "I love it, I would never hang it on my wall, and it seems I can't give it away. Then I heard about MOBA and I rejoiced that there is a place where my painting will be seen and celebrated.")

For instance, this piece, "Lucy in the Fields with Flowers", was seen by the subject's grand-daughter. She told the story of how the portrait came to be commenting:

Ms. Lawlor told us of the day that the painting arrived wrapped in paper. Everyone gathered around to watch as the paper was torn off, the thirteen year old Susan bit her lip to keep from gasping.

It was a wonderfully accurate likeness of her grandmother's face in an oddly postured and formed body against a bizarre, surreal background.

The site is generally not mean spirited and is devoted to finding the fun in bad art everywhere. Personally, I think I'd be highly amused if I found one of my paintings in its "collection".




On a separate note, I agree with GD. Get some paint brushes and just paint. Who cares if it sucks if you enjoy doing it? On the other hand, you might find out you're really talented. You just might not want to leave your masterpieces in trash bins around Boston.

[Alex]

I know I'm not talented, you can trust me on that.

And I know the thing to do is just do it. But then my resistance wouldn't be irrational, would it? And I'm irrational about so few things that I tend to be clingy in their presence.

[alphabassettgrrl]

Haven't had a chance to check out the site yet. I will have to go see it, if they're not being mean about "bad art". Cool.

[bewitched]

Originally Posted by Alex

I know I'm not talented, you can trust me on that.

And I know the thing to do is just do it. But then my resistance wouldn't be irrational, would it? And I'm irrational about so few things that I tend to be clingy in their presence.

Not irrational at all. Psychologically, we all tend to shy away from things which don't reinforce a positive opinion of ourselves. Especially if most activities in which an individual participates are those which the individual is "good" or "successful" at. We also tend to irrationally believe that other people judge us (or for that matter care) as harshly as we, ourselves, do.

Me, I tend to be more of an "I don't give a ****" person. But I don't tend to trumpet my success on a subject which I suck at. For instance, I do some magic tricks...spectacularly poorly. I will usually do them for people if they ask since I have made clear that I really suck (sometimes the trick works just as intended then everyone, including me, is amazed). Therefore, I am rarely embarrassed when my magic actually does suck (best suited for those under 6...who think I'm amazing ).

Anyway, when you get a chance, look at the sight...it really is all in good fun (a lot of the amusement is in the newsletters and commentary where they so blatently pretend to be very cultured and pretentious about their "museum").

[Ghoulish Delight]

Originally Posted by Alex

I know I'm not talented, you can trust me on that.

You'd be surprised to learn how easy it is to mistake "untalented" for "untrained" or "unpracticed". There is no way I could fathom that I'd have the ability to draw some of the stuff I'm currently drawing before.

[JWBear]

This one made me giggle:

[bewitched]

Hmmm...now that I think about it, I have a series of paintings in my basement (which I painted in high school) which might be a lovely contribution to their collection.


GD, I have noticed on your blog how much you have improved as you've obviously learned more about technique (light, shadow, perspective...). Personally, I think you're doing a great job and totally applaud you for going outside of your comfort zone to try something new.

[Morrigoon]

Heh, I have a piece that would fit in that museum. I don't think I ever even photographed it, it's too weird.

[Kevy Baby]

If it ain't painted on velvet, it ain't art.

[bewitched]

Originally Posted by Morrigoon

Heh, I have a piece that would fit in that museum. I don't think I ever even photographed it, it's too weird.

You should totally submit it!