Intent
“What is the artist trying to say? What was their intent?” These questions are used to derive a deeper meaning of a piece of artwork by the viewer. However, how often does the Artist review their own work? Did they carry over their original intent, or did the piece take on a different meaning because of their inner voice as it was created?
In the beginning the artist can create whatever they wish so the question arrives, “What to paint?” This is where the development of intent is born. It starts with the planning and the layout of a piece. These are things that give an artist the parameters to start, the beginning constructs of a piece, with intent before the execution.
Now you might say that’s the hard part, coming up with the concept, but is it? As a friend recently said to me, that’s the easy part. The next part is where the technique is applied and honed and the piece acquires a certain aesthetic. During this time is also the development of the unknown occurs as the whispers of the inner voice help to shift and mold the work. This is where the original intent is disrupted. Does that change the meaning of the work?
Absolutely! When the work is finished it is important for the artist to reflect upon the piece and dissect it. Attempting to remove the original intent and examine only what is in front of you. This allows the artist to figure out what they are truly trying to say.
