The Creative Process
The Written Word
Experiencing Art from the Inside-Out
By Jami Taback

"Nothing better than the real thing: Authenticity in the viewing of art"

Jami Taback is an internationally recognized artist and the director of TalkArt, Inc. a private art history lecturing service in New York City. Her work is included in many public and private collections.

Jami Taback Astral Journey monotype, 12” x 9”

It was the Impressionist painters of the 19th C. who brought art closer to the people by bringing the work out of the old, poorly lit studios and into the natural light.

There is something special about experiencing art from the inside-out. This repeat performance that a work of art can produce out of our emotions is what keeps us interested in the art. We are able to view art, summon up specific emotions at will, and feel comfort in them.

This also happens when we listen to the spoken word, music, and a good book which can be read again and again. These experiences with emotions are experienced over and over each time a particular art comes before us.

This confirmation of emotions, upon viewing art, validates our inner selves, our souls. When shared with others, it holds greater authenticity -- and is known as "communion". That it can occur again and again throughout the centuries is the magic and mystery all at once.

The artist drew on emotions at the conception of the work of art. It is part of the collective unconscious of the viewer as well as the artist that creates the climate in which we can explore these impacts. First we look at a painting, for instance, and then we find a response has been drawn from us, willing or not, liking or disliking the work. Our senses have been engaged and we realise we have received a gift from the artist - that of authenticity.

In turn the painting reveals more with each viewing and the rapport between the viewer and the work of art continues. The work can appeal to a diverse group of people, and be absorbed at their own pace.

Jami Taback Bridge to Eternity monoprint with chine colle 36" x 25"

As a speaker on the art histories, I find that my experiences with the same work of art changes. I view a painting I have seen many times before, it evokes the same emotions, with more depth, depending upon what is going on in the world and in my personal life at the time. Art is controversial in that its meaning can change at any time but the emotions seem to linger in our memories.

Historically, we have looked upon artists and their work with awe. They have "created". Being referred to as creative was once the highest complement because it intimated that you were godly. The artists' painting and sculptures depicted the stories of the Bible and Greek myths which further elevated their sights, as well as ours of them. Later on, the artist suggested in their work, things for us to see, and left ares of their paintings unfinished giving the viewer credit to complete and participate in the work. Art became more intellectual.

Nothing can compare with the fact that these works of art are original, executed by and through the artist. The artist's signature is usually right there for us to see. Unlike a concert where the music is conducted and interpreted by another artist with modern instruments, the visual arts are experienced as a communion with the actual artist. We attempt to get into the artist's head, which in turn continues a response with the spectator.

It was the Impressionist painters of the 19th C. who brought art closer to the people by bringing the work out of the old, poorly lit studios and into the natural light. These artists believed a painting should respond to the constantly moving panorama of changing sky and flickering clouds and sun, viewed by the constantly moving eye of the forever changing spectator. These were not scenes frozen in time, but works that could change in a moment, depending on the way the spectator felt at the time. These paintings offered us an impression of the entire day; morning, afternoon, and evening coming together in one fleeting moment.

It is because art can tell us so much about ourselves and our modern day culture it is important to keep the art world accessible to everyone. Visiting and supporting the places that house these collections is paramount to the future existence of our culture. Developing more ways in which people with sensory disabilities can explore the art world is also imperative. It shouldn't surprise us that visually impaired people will still come to a museum to experience a verbal explanation, and walk away with an understanding of their emotions on some level. For those who are unable to get to the actual artwork, a visit to a museum through the Internet under "art and entertainment" and chat rooms where people communicate on computer about a current exhibit. For the hearing impaired, it is also essential that artwork is documented on film.

Art is a universal subject, true to every culture, that can provide a meeting ground to enable us to appreciate and even welcome differences of time and place in a multicultural world.

Confirmation of emotions, upon viewing art, validates our inner selves and our souls. It is part of the collective unconscious of the viewer as well as the artist that creates the climate in which we can explore these impacts.

(c) Copyright, Talk Art, 1997

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