More Than a Wall Decoration
by Tracey Maras
Think back for a moment. Think back to that very first piece of original art that you purchased with your own money. Not the posters or the prints. Not the mass-produced pieces that could be found in chain stores that countless others purchased to adorn their bedrooms, their dorm rooms, their first apartments, or seen on the walls at work. But take a moment to recall that first piece of original artwork you purchased and remember how it made you feel.
I still own my very first. Six months out of college and working, I was extra excited about attending an art fair because I had set aside a little spending money. This is where I discovered a 4” diameter porcelain sculpture that would become the first piece of my art collection. Decades later and I still recall that sense of excitement and wonder, imagining the inspiration, skill, and artistry that went into creating this piece.
“Delicious Morning”, by Tracey Maras
There are many reasons why someone purchases art. Some may approach the acquisition from an investment standpoint. Some are looking for something to complement the room décor. But for many, it is a personal experience. A piece of art touches something deep in their psyche. For myself, sometimes it’s the artist themselves, their story or their friendship entices me to make a purchase. Maybe it is the story that they tell through the artwork and it touches my heart, my soul. It makes me feel. Maybe it transports me to a moment the artist experienced. It becomes a deeply personal emotion that is re-experienced every time I look upon the piece of art.
But now we have the introduction of a new form of art, created by Artificial Intelligence (AI). Not simply mass-produced art but created from a computer chip’s analysis. Is it art? That is not for me to decide. Defining “what is art” has been a debate since humans first applied pigment to cave walls and carved figures from stone and bone.
There will likely be many individuals who purchase art created by AI because it’s trendy, it’s cutting edge, it’s viral. But I likely won’t be one of them. I need something more. I need more than an amalgamation of images. I need something personal, individualized, unique, human.
I have added many pieces to my collection of art over the years. And what makes each one special is the connectedness to the artist. Whether through research or speaking with the artist in person, it is hearing about their passion, their excitement, their process, their struggles, what they have learned, and what they continue to strive to learn that makes a piece of art more than simply a wall decoration.
Take a moment to recall that first piece of original artwork you purchased and remember how it made you feel.
This article originally appeared on www.traceymaras.com and has been republished here with permission.
