Artist Group.

I’ve been thinking of starting an artist group here in the twin cities. There are many out there already but most are just general artist groups where they let pretty much anybody in. I’ve thought about limiting the group to members who are primarily painters or work in a “painterly” approach. 

 The problem with this is that I’d still want to limit this group to fine artists who have solid, good work that’s not underdeveloped. And also, artists who know how to talk about art and give constructive criticism.

I love to meet new artists no matter what medium they work in, but do not want all artists to be in the artist group. I don’t feel that it is very beneficial to have crafters, photographers, or designers in a artist critique group. It makes more sense to have people with similar work and ideas to connect with and discuss each other’s work.

I’d like to even break it down to “fine art figurative painters” if possible. The problem is that we are getting so selective here that is it even possible to get enough people in the group. But then again, I think it is better to have 4 or 5 strong artists together than 50 random artists that share nothing in common.

When I saw “figurative painters” – I don’t mean work that is just of portraiture or the narrative figure. I am interested in finding artists that are influenced by the figure in their work. I have work that would be considered more abstract to most people, but it was influenced and derived from the figure. So I think this really opens the group more.

The other issue is that there should be either some sort of review process and/or seeking out artists to join. It may come across as a bit “elitist” but I think it is necessary to have a successful group.

~ by J. M. Culver on February 4, 2008.