There is nothing that contributes to a civic community like public art. Art in public places is practically everywhere nowadays. Although most people are drawn to specific kinds of public arts large sculptures, for example in reality there are many displays that you are likely to miss on any given day. Public art can mean anything from a fountain, to architectural landscaping, to a memorial exhibit. If it is there primarily for its aesthetic appeal, it could be considered public art.
As an artist, I have always had a great appreciation for civic art. First of all, it does a lot of things for the community. Living in a city where everything is made to be as efficient as possible, seeing public arts that are there purely for their aesthetic value is always appealing. Of course, what it does for the artist is even more important. The art world is a pretty difficult place to be nowadays. Everything depends on the tastes of a small group of rich collectors, and those tastes are arbitrary. It has less to do with what art you are making than it does with how well you promote yourself. With public art, however, the artists can still get recognition and make money without catering to the whims of the select few.
As a matter of fact, nowadays it is easier than ever for public artists to get residencies. Getting an artistic residency is a dream come true for many artists. It gives you the chance to live in a scenic environment with all your needs are taken care of and you are given time to do the one thing you love best: make art. It wasn't so long ago where you needed critical acclaim in the private gallery circuit if you wanted to get a residency. Nowadays, however, they are open to people who make civic art.
I have been working in a public art firm for about a decade now, and I have to say that I have found it very rewarding. When I first started out in art, I figured the only way to make money would be to get involved in graphic design. Although some graphic designers really enjoy their work, for me it was too narrowly commercial. I felt that there was no chance to express myself and make something truly beautiful. With the public arts, however, I can do just that anytime I want. There is nothing more rewarding for an artist than that.
As an artist, I have always had a great appreciation for civic art. First of all, it does a lot of things for the community. Living in a city where everything is made to be as efficient as possible, seeing public arts that are there purely for their aesthetic value is always appealing. Of course, what it does for the artist is even more important. The art world is a pretty difficult place to be nowadays. Everything depends on the tastes of a small group of rich collectors, and those tastes are arbitrary. It has less to do with what art you are making than it does with how well you promote yourself. With public art, however, the artists can still get recognition and make money without catering to the whims of the select few.
As a matter of fact, nowadays it is easier than ever for public artists to get residencies. Getting an artistic residency is a dream come true for many artists. It gives you the chance to live in a scenic environment with all your needs are taken care of and you are given time to do the one thing you love best: make art. It wasn't so long ago where you needed critical acclaim in the private gallery circuit if you wanted to get a residency. Nowadays, however, they are open to people who make civic art.
I have been working in a public art firm for about a decade now, and I have to say that I have found it very rewarding. When I first started out in art, I figured the only way to make money would be to get involved in graphic design. Although some graphic designers really enjoy their work, for me it was too narrowly commercial. I felt that there was no chance to express myself and make something truly beautiful. With the public arts, however, I can do just that anytime I want. There is nothing more rewarding for an artist than that.
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