Editor’s Note:  What do you get when you take a bunch of stone fanatics into an art gallery?  Uh, the deer caught in the headlight look?  We know our stone.  We know architecture and design.  But art?  Not so much.  But we a curious bunch determined to “explore our creative spirit” and during a recent meeting at one of our favorite offsite locations – The Visual Arts Center of Richmond – we were treated to a private tour in the True F. Luck Gallery of a selection of art from Richmond’s Corporate Collections.  Our guide, the brilliant, engaging and witty Aimee let us loose in the gallery with a sheet of questions to answer about each piece of artwork.  This helped us consider the paintings, drawings, and photographs from a new perspective. A bit. But then, Aimee guided us through the gallery, asking questions, providing stories and rationale behind the art.  And in her very passionate and authentic way, Aimee helped us understand some of the mystery behind art  As the lightbulbs slowly went on, we finally started to “get” art.  Here are some stories from our folks about their experience…

From Bob…

I went to the National Gallery of Art in DC over the holidays with my daughter. In places that large, I struggle to take my time and appreciate each work. But I enjoyed our time in the gallery because the experience allowed me to relax and take the time to take in the various pieces. At first, I wasn’t happy that Aimee had provided instructions and questions…leave me alone so I can formulate my own thoughts. However, in hindsight, the task helped me understand more of what to look for in the different works. These ‘clues’ led me to insights I wouldn’t have gotten to on my own.  And finally, I’m not sure why, but I was surprised at the end when Aimee explained some of the basic techniques that artists use to achieve certain effects – squares versus rectangles, etc. I guess I just assumed that this type of art was more ‘feel’ than ‘process and technique’.

From Tina…

I cannot say that I am an art expert. I honestly don’t know about techniques or styles or why one artist is considered great and another is not.  What I realized after my art lesson at the Visual Arts Center was that is not about the mechanics but more about how the piece speaks to you individually. For an hour, Aimee, our guide, discussed several of the corporate art pieces that are currently displayed at the Center.  What I found fascinating was that she did not focus on strokes, techniques or the proper use of color but instead on how the piece made us feel and what elements of those pieces made us feel that way.  In one piece the artist depicted the free-flowingness of water coupled with detailed sketchings of the wave forms. I could not help but to think if the artist was trying to bring order to chaos or vice versa.  Another piece depicted a young, hip group of individuals floating down a river. Although the individuals looked relaxed the piece had a somber quality to it. The time of day indicated either daybreak or dusk. Also, the artist gave no indication of their destination so it left me to wonder their fate. Were they floating into paradise or purgatory?

The last piece that caught my eye was one in which the artist was experimenting with positive space, negative space and movement which resulted in a playful experience.  Portions of the artwork seem to go off the canvas. In addition to this technique, the artist created depth with layers and patterns which helped to create the illusion of life and movement. It reminded me of my 2 favorite little ones blowing bubbles and laughing on a warm spring day. As I said at the beginning I am not an art expert however, my experience at the VAC taught me that you don’t have to be one to enjoy it. Sit back relax and let your senses lead you though the journey. You never know what just might inspire you.

From Rob…

Being totally transparent, art to me has always been something to look at and that’s pretty much about it. The exercise of answering questions had me consider on a completely different level about the art and artist. This is something that I have not done before.

From Mark…

It was good to see works by some of my professors from my days as an art student at VCU. Richard Carlyon and Jerry Donato were inspirations to me, but Jim Bradford was a true mentor. Jim taught me to remain true to your beliefs and to never compromise on your core values. This has stuck with me for over 30 years and is one of my guiding principles. His work, “Untitled” from 1985, that is exhibited at the True Luck gallery is reflective on how he stuck to his vision. One of the trends in painting at that time was post-modernism and Jim’s works definitely had a different vision. While 30 years is a blink in time, the ability to stick to your principles and not compromise has positioned this work by Jim Bradford as a timeless piece of art.

From Denise…

Whether as an artist or a humble, ordinary person, you’re relevant if you’re true to your story. But how many of us have to have guts to tell our story? The best art – the best stories- are made without concern of the audience.  They exist because of courage, because the world needs them.

From Michael…

Prior to our guided tour of the Corporate art exhibit,  I was “that person” who looked at art, and thought or said “I don’t get it”, or why is that art; I could do that? I believe it was Andy Warhol that said “if you want to tell a good painting from bad one you have to look at a thousand paintings.”   I haven’t looked at a thousand yet, but appreciate a new more informed lens with which to explore.    I hadn’t considered that art included works that made me have a negative reaction, or dismiss as easy.  Maybe this was the artist’s intent (experts make things look easy after all).   The point “I believe” is not that the work has to make sense, or fit into my likes, but it should cause a reaction (good or bad, passion or hate), maybe to tell a story?   Aimee’s challenge to consider  What statement the artist could be making, immediately switched my perspective from my own, to that of the artist.      What was the artist’ challenging, or putting into context of the current world view (at that moment in time). What in the artists life, shaped their perspective?  A lot more to consider before judging and quickly being “the art critic”.

Best example of a piece I quickly dismissed at first pass….but was intrigued by when we learned it was a photograph.

Is photography art…not sure how I feel on the subject, but do go back to Aimee’s statement….what was the artist intent or statement….where they trying  to make art, or a photograph.     By taking the time, to consider my own life experiences and stories, while viewing and attempting to understand the artist intent, is after all the beauty of Art.

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